8 Mind Blowing Facts About Silver
Silver is a precious metal that has been used by humans for thousands of years. It has been one of the favorite metals for jewelers, scientists and artists, and has many unique properties that make it valuable.
But how much do you really know about this element? Here are X mind blowing facts about silver that will surprise you.
Why is Silver Important?
Silver is not only a beautiful and valuable metal but also a vital resource for many industries and technologies. Silver has a wide range of applications that make use of its unique physical and chemical properties.
1. Silver Used in Jewelry In Not Pure
Pure silver has a minimum purity of 99.9% but higher purity makes it softer. So, to increase the durability and for long-lasting decorative jewelry silver incorporating with other metals are preferred.
2. Capable to Keep You Warm in Winters
The silver metal has an amazing quality of providing warmth to the skin and is really helpful in keeping you warm during extremely cold weathers in winters.
3. Cloud Seeding
Silver is an excellent ice nuclei when it is in the form of silver iodide particles. The compound silver iodide is used for cloud seeding, a process in which silver crystals are blown upon clouds to produce rain or to control hurricanes.
4. Conducts Electricity Better Than Any Other Metal
Among all metals, silver is the best conductor of heat and electricity that’s why it can be used in a variety of applications. Batteries, electrical parts and circuit boards are made up of silver but it’s expensive so copper is used instead in electrical wiring.
5. Lunar Goodnesses
Back in the days, alchemists used to refer to silver as lunar because it was associated with the moon, sea and various lunar goodnesses.
6. Newborn Babies Can Benefit From Silver
Silver can be beneficial for newborn babies’ health due to its antimicrobial properties. You might have heard the statement “born with a silver spoon” and it’s not just a statement. Many mothers use sterling silver milk bottles instead of plastic bottles.
7. Lab Coats Are Made Of Silver
Almost all doctors and surgeons prefer wearing silver coated lab coats. It is beneficial for both doctors and patients. The toxic-resisting property of silver helps in preventing the contagious infections from spreading.
8. A Grain of Silver is Thinner Than Paper
The silver metal is one of the finest ductility among all the metals. So fine that a single grain of silver can be stretched to thousand-meter long wire or sheet of foil thinner than paper.
Conclusion
Silver is a precious metal that has many amazing properties and uses. It is a source for innovation and progress. So next time when you see silver, remember it’s not just a metal, it’s a treasure of unique properties, and perhaps even a touch of cosmic magic.
FAQs
Q: Was silver always money?
A: Yes, Silver coins have been used as currency for thousands of years, across various civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and even modern countries.
Q: Can silver kill germs?
A: Silver has natural antimicrobial properties, which is why it’s used in medical devices, water filters, and even socks!
Q: Do we eat silver?
A: Surprisingly, yes! Tiny amounts of silver are found in some edible mushrooms and even used in food additives for its preservation properties.