Argentum

Argentum is the Latin term for the chemical element Silver, which is represented by the symbol Ag and has the atomic number 47. Silver is a soft, white, lustrous transition metal with the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity of any metal. The name "argentum" is derived from the Latin word for silver, which in turn comes from the Greek word "argyros."

Properties

Silver is notable for its physical properties:

• It has a melting point of 961.78 °C (1,763.2 °F) and a boiling point of 2,162 °C (3,924 °F).
• It is highly ductile and malleable, second only to Gold.
• Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal.
• It is also highly reflective, making it useful in mirrors and other reflective surfaces.

Occurrence and Extraction

Silver is found in its pure, free elemental form ("native silver") as well as in various ores such as argentite and chlorargyrite. It is often a byproduct of mining for other metals, including copper, gold, lead, and zinc. The primary methods of extracting silver from its ores include:

• Cyanidation
• Amalgamation
• Electrolytic refining

Uses

Silver has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties:

• In jewelry and silverware due to its luster and workability.
• In electronics for its superior electrical conductivity.
• In photography for its light-sensitive properties in silver halide crystals.
• In medicine for its antibacterial properties, used in wound dressings and medical devices.
• In currency as coins and bullion.

History

Silver has been used by humans for thousands of years. It was first mined around 3000 BCE in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The Romans were prolific users of silver, and it played a significant role in their economy. The discovery of the New World in the 15th century led to a massive influx of silver, particularly from mines in Mexico and Peru.

Related Pages

• Silver
• Gold
• Copper
• Lead
• Zinc
• Cyanidation
• Amalgamation
• Electrolytic refining
• Jewelry
• Silverware
• Photography
• Currency

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