What Are the Various Uses of Silver?
We have always known silver as metal used in the making of jewelery. Silver jewelery has always been popular among women. Apart from the jewelery aspect, silver bullion coins have been considered as the great investment. Also, they are an excellent collectibles. From Silver Britannia, American Eagle and Silver Canadian Maple, people world over invest in silver coins as they offer great returns on investment.
Apart from these uses silver is also used in various industries due to its unique properties. Silver is a precious metal, we all know that. But it is a noble metal as it resists corrosion and oxidation. Not just that, it is the most excellent thermal thermal and electrical conductor of all the metals, so it is ideal for electrical applications. Its antimicrobial, non-toxic qualities make it useful in medicine and consumer products. It can easily be malleable, which means it can be easily flattened into sheets. Also, it's ductile, which allows it to be drawn into thin, flexible wire. This is the reason why it is the best option for various industrial applications. Not just that, its photo sensitivity has given it a place in film photography.
Silver will not lose its precious status in jewelry and coinage. And due to its unique properties like it can be powdered, made into paste, shaved into flakes, converted into a salt, made into alloy with other metals, flattened into sheets, drawn into wires, suspended as a colloid, or even used as a catalyst. These qualities make certain that silver will continue to be the king in various industries.
As Investment
As a precious metal, silver bullion coins is rare and valuable, making it a popular investment option. People invest in silver bullion coins and bars. Its malleability makes silver a great option for designing and minting local currency. Many people invest in silver by buying and storing 99.9% pure silver bullion bars, coins, or medallions.
As Jewelry
The qualities of being Malleable, reflectivity, and luster make silver a great choice for making jewelery and silverware. As silver is less expensive than gold, silver is the first choice for jewelry and a standard for fine dining.
As an Electronics
The top most use of silver in industry is in electronics. Its unmatched thermal and electrical conductivity among metals means it cannot easily be replaced by less expensive materials. Silver is used in electrical switches. Electronics demand silver of the highest purity: 99.99% pure.
Other Uses
Traditional film photography relies on the light sensitivity of silver halide crystals present in film. The silver halide crystals alter to record a latent image when the film is exposed to light. It then is developed into a photograph. Silver is also used brazing and soldering while silver paste is used to make solar panels. Nuclear energy also uses silver. It is used in chemical production as well. Silver plays a major role in medicine since ages due to its antibiotic property and non-toxicity. It also act as a catalyst by absorbing oxygen, which kills bacteria by interfering with their respiration.
