Silver is one of the most famous ornamental metals, but its popularity in jewelry is decreasing because of its notorious tarnishing habit. Fresh silver has a bright-metallic-white color, but almost invariably turns yellowish to blackish upon exposure to air. This is caused by a chemical reaction of the silver to sulfur compounds present in the atmosphere. The only way to prevent this effect is to glaze the silver with an anti-tarnish coat. Silver should also be kept away from eggs, which are rich in sulfur. Tarnished silver can be restored to its original color with one of the many tarnish-removing chemicals.
Silver is very malleable and ductile, and is very easy to work with. However, it is poorly resistant to pressure and easily bends. For this reason, silver is alloyed with other metals to increase its toughness and durability.

USES
Silver is fashioned into rings, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry figures. However, the bulk of silver goes towards use as ornamental utensils. Goblets, candelabras, cutlery, trays, and dishes are just some examples of what silver is made into. Silver has also been used in coinage since the earliest of times.

VARIETIES
There are different types of silver based on the content of other metals mixed in to the silver:
Sterling Silver - Silver at least 92.5% pure
Britannia Silver - Silver at least 95% pure

SIMILAR GEMSTONES
The much-more-valuable platinum closely resembles untarnished silver. However, platinum is harder and does not tarnish. Some cheap alloys of iron and zinc are sometimes made to resemble silver, but are easily distinguished.

ALSO SEE

• The mineral Silver
• Platinum
• Gold
• Copper

PICTURES

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