Silver is a metallic chemical element with an atomic number of 47 and the symbol Ag. The “Ag,” incidentally, is from the Latin word argentum, which means “silver.” Silver is probably one of the more well known chemical elements, since some people own silver jewelry or utensils, and a number of cultures have traditional beliefs and myths about silver. Silver also has industrial uses in addition to ornamental ones, and it is heavily mined around the world to meet global demand.

Humans have been aware of the existence of silver for thousands of years, and it has long been prized as a precious metal. Archaeological digs sometimes uncover silver artifacts ranging from silver-plated armor to elaborate silver jewelry. Silver is relatively ductile, although it is not as soft as gold, and it is relatively easy to work or alloy with other metals such as copper. In a pure form, silver is a lustrous metal with high thermal and electric conductivity, although it tarnishes easily, so many silver objects turn greenish to black with age. However, when this tarnish is gently removed, the silver underneath will shine again.

In nature, silver is sometimes found occurring as a free metal, and it may also appear in deposits with other metals like copper and gold. Chemical treatment processes can help to refine these metals into pure forms for commercial use. Silver also appears in some minerals, and like other elements, silver combines to make a wide range of compounds, including silver nitrate, a silver salt with a number of uses from photography to antiseptics.

Silver and various salts of this metal are used in many industrial processes. Silver itself is not toxic, but its salts are, and they should be handled with care. It is generally a good idea to wear eye protection and gloves when handling silver salts, and people should avoid inhaling or consuming them. Metalsmithing with silver can also be dangerous, due to the use of lead soldering agents and toxic fluxes to work the metal.

Silver has also historically been used in currency, because the metal is intrinsically valuable. Most nations have abandoned the use of precious metals in their currency, but special commemorative coins may be issued in silver and gold for collectors. Silver jewelry, of course, runs the gamut from mass produced sterling silver rings to ornate masterpieces of silver craftsmanship, and it can be found all over the world at a wide variety of prices.