Page 86 - The Periodic Table Book

47
Ag Silver

State: Solid
47 47 61 Discovery: c. 3000 bce

Transition Metals Pyrargyrite This mineral’s Chlorargyrite drawn into a 2-km-
Forms

colour changes
to purple when it is
1 g (0.03 oz)
exposed to bright light.
of silver can be
(1.2-mile-)
long wire.

The bright surface tarnishes
after reacting with air. of silver
Chunk

These large
opaque
crystals have a
glistening sheen.

Acanthite

Black silver sulfide
forms twisted crystals.

Silver gets its symbol “Ag” from its Latin nature, but mostly it is mined from ores, such
name argentum, which means “shiny white”. as pyrargyrite and acanthite. Because this
It is considered a precious metal because its element is valuable and can be moulded easily,
pure form has a grey shine that does not pure silver was used historically to make coins.
corrode quickly, and it stays untarnished if This metal is also ideal for making bracelets
84 cleaned regularly. Silver can be found pure in and settings for gems. Some people even use

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