Silver

Chemical symbol Ag

Atomic no. 47

Melting point 961.8C

Silver is a soft white, lustrous transition metal and exhibits the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and reflectivity of any metal.

As silver oxidizes it is not hypoallergenic and can cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin.

It tarnishes slowly in air as sulphur compounds react with the surface forming black silver sulphide deposits.

Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver with the rest of the alloy generally being copper.

It has been widely used in jewellery, table ware and coinage since ancient times and being much less expensive than gold or platinum is often used for more affordable, larger sculptural designs.

Silver and Mabe pearl “Lotus”ring from the “Lotus Collection”.

Silver has many other uses including mirror manufacture, dental alloys, solder and brazing alloys, electrical contacts, batteries, printed circuits, photography and as silver nano particles in clothing for its antibacterial properties.