Silver

INTRODUCTION

The silver (Ag) is derived from the Anglo-Saxon name, 'siolfur'. Also, its chemical symbol, Ag, is an abbreviation of the Latin word for silver, ‘argentum,' which originates from 'argunas,' a Sanskrit word meaning shining. Silver is a white lustrous metal which is valued for its beauty and electricity conductivity. It is located in group 11, period 5, with an electron configuration [Kr] 4d105s1. The key isotope of it is 107Ag. In addition, silver is a solid transition metal in the periodic table. Silver's density at 20°C is 10.5 g/cm^3.

SILVER AND HUMAN HEALTH

Silver itself is a non-toxic metal, and it plays no known natural biological role in human bodies. However, most silver salts are toxic, and some may even be carcinogenic, which means they can cause cancer.

At this point, one might ask," If silver is non-toxic, where does the word 'argyria' come from?" To answer this question, we need to aware that silver (particularly colloidal silver) and its compounds can be absorbed into the circulatory system and become deposited in various body tissues, which leads to a condition refers to argyria.

Positively-charged silver ions can simulate the body's natural conductivity and improve blood circulation as well as body temperature balance by creating a conductive field that reflects electromagnetic radiation away from the body. Additionally, positively-charged silver ions are able to bind to negatively charged oxygen receptors in bacteria, this is why silver can fight against harmful infection and disease.

DISTRIBUTION

Mexico is the biggest silver producing country in the world.

United States Silver Mines

PROPERTIES

Tarnished Silver

Silver is a lustrous metal with great malleability, ductility. Also, it has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity among all metals. Silver is one of the least chemical reactive transition metal. It is stable in oxygen; however, it tarnishes when exposed to sulfur compounds in air or water to form a black sulfide layer.

Sterling Silver

USES

Silver has been known to humans for a very long time. The most well-known use of silver in ancient time is as currency. In addition to that, silver is also used for jewelry, ornaments, tableware, food additive/coloring, and so on. It can be used to store liquids to prevent it from spoiling. Due to silver ions are able to prevent bacterial growth and speed healing time, it can be found in nearly everything from bandages to eyedrops for newborn babies.

Not only that, people can use silver tableware to detect the safeness of food and protect them from diseases or poison. In ancient China, emperor and preferred to used silverware for meals. If the food is poisoned, the color of the silverware would become dark.

Because of silver's sensitivity to light, it is used for superior mirror production and plays an important role in the photography industry.

VIDEOS

Brief Introduction of Silver

Silver Refining (for entertainment only)

REFERENCE

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