Physical Properties of Silver for Identification and Classification Purposes.
This site contains information on the Physical Properties and Chemical Composition of Minerals, gemstones, crystals, precious metals, and sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks for crystallography, geology, identification of minerals, Jewelry and mineralogy. This includes cleavage, description of crystal formations, crystal structure, hardness, specific gravity, Mohs’ Scale, crystal features and crystal habits for identification and classification purposes.
Description
One of eight precious metals in
the coinage metal family, Silver (Native Silver elemental symbol: Ag) has
a color that is metallic, and silver-white. It is the most lustrous metal
on Earth and is behind only Gold in malleability and ductility. Exposure
to Oxygen produces Silver Oxide that turns the specimen to a dark gray or
black. Native Silver’s crystal habit is rare and usually manifests in
intriguing wire structures.
Physical
Properties:
Cleavage:
None
Fracture: Jagged
Streak: Silver White
Hardness: 2.5-3
Specific Gravity: 10-12
Best Field Indicators: Color,
Tarnish, Ductility and Crystal Habit
Weighing
and Measuring:
The system for measuring Silver, as well as Gold and Platinum, is Troy
weight. A standard Pound is equivalent to
14.58 Troy Ounces, while 1 Troy Pound is only 12 Troy Ounces.
Uses
Silver is one of the most useful metals and has uses in decorative arts,
industry and photography. It is the world’s best conductor of
electricity and heat and is used to make coins and bullion, jewelry
silverware, photographic film. The typical concentration of Silver used in
coins is 90% with the other 10% being Copper for added strength. Dentistry
mistures and electrical contacts use Silver alloys and photographic
emulsions contain Silver Halides that are sensitive to light.
Sources
Native Silver is very rare. Therefore, most new Silver supplies rely on
ores such as argentine, cerargyrite, and stephanite or it is obtained as a
bi-product of lead zinc, copper and gold ores. Scientists estimate the
world’s extractable resources of silver at current demand to be about 20
years of supply.
Cleaning-Most
Silver can be cleaned with warm soapy water. However, never use a cleaner
that contains Ammonia, which will turn Silver black. Should this occur, Vinegar
will reverse the effects of Ammonia. There are also commercial cleaners
available but should be used with caution; always read the label. Do not
put Silver in your dishwasher.
Storage-Keep Silver
away from light, air or dampness.
Electroplate-The
process of coating a less expensive metal with a more expensive metal
using electricity, which allows for very thin coats.
Electrum-An amber-colored alloy of gold and silver.
Nickel Silver or German Silver –A mixture of nickel, copper and zinc that resembles silver and was used beginning in the 1700s in Silver-plated items.
Silver 800-An alloy of 80% Silver and 20% alloy used in casting because of its increased strength.
Sterling-Sterling silver is 92.5% Silver and 7.25% Copper. Sterling Silver is popular for use in Jewelry because of its characteristics of light color, strength and malleability. Usually marked “Sterling,” “925,” “STR” or “SS.”
Vermeil-Gold plated Silver used in the eighteenth century.
Wholesale Silver Jewelry-Sterling Silver Necklaces, silver bracelets and silver earrings.
Drop
Ship - We will drop ship wholesale jewelry, body jewelry and silver
jewelry to your customers.
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