Silver has been used since antiquity to mint coins and make jewellery. This shiny metal is represented on the periodic table by the symbol Ag, by virtue of its Latin name argentum, which refers to its brightness and luminosity. In mythology, silver was associated with the Moon, as opposed to gold and platinum. But one distinctive feature of silver is that it tarnishes easily in contact with air. A layer of silver sulfide appears on the surface of the metal, but this layer can be removed easily with a suitable cleaning product. These days, most silversmiths coat their silver jewellery with a rhodium finish to prevent oxidation.

 

Silver is found buried in the ground in its native state, mainly in Mexico, Bolivia, Australia, and Peru.

 

Like other precious metals, silver is protected and its denomination is guaranteed by a specific hallmark for jewellery weighing more than 30 grams (a.k.a. a troy ounce).

 

In Canada, silver is recognized as a precious metal from 800 thousandths of pure silver in the alloy. However, the majority of silver jewellery is of a higher grade: 925 thousandths, the rest of the alloy being composed of copper.