The world is ever-changing and evolving, with new technological advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting areas of innovation in recent years has been in the field of renewable energy, with solar technology at the forefront of this revolution. At the heart of these cutting-edge solar systems lies a critical element: silver. This precious metal plays a vital role in the production of solar cells, enabling the conversion of sunlight into usable electricity. From the creation of conductive grid lines to reflective coatings, silver’s high conductivity and durability make it an es ..read more

A team from Purdue University recently developed a new technique aimed at reducing infections from medical device implants by using laser technology and silver to modify titanium surfaces. We’ve discussed silver’s potential to reduce the risk of device-related infections previously, but this new use case only adds to silver’s antimicrobial accolades. Aside from reducing the risk of infection, silver has also been shown to have osteoinductive properties. These properties help prompt bone cell formation and mineralization following surgery, something that classic titanium implants have been know ..read more

As one of the first metals ever discovered, silver has a long history of extensive human use. It still plays a role in current technologies such as medical devices and energy generation. Out of all the precious metals, silver has the greatest electrical conductivity. This makes it an optimal material for making electronic components like circuit boards, electrodes, and wires. As a result, silver is highly sought after by the manufacturers who need to satisfy the growing demand for “green energy” technologies such as high-efficiency solar panels, long-lasting batteries, and electric vehicles. L ..read more

Spot price is the current price (what you would pay “right now”) for a specific commodity, security or currency at a specific location in the marketplace. The spot price of gold and silver is typically quoted per ounce of the commodity (one ounce of gold, one ounce of silver, etc.) and can fluctuate based on supply and demand, as well as many other market factors. Read on to learn what influences a spot price, elements that can impact the spot price and more. Spot Price vs. Futures Price While there are many unique features of spot prices and futures market prices, the primary difference betwe ..read more

When it comes to mining, much attention is paid to the gold rushes in history. The California Gold Rush inspired images of prospectors growing incredible fortunes overnight, forging a bright future for themselves during America’s violent and uncertain frontier era. However, it turns out silver rushes have had just as marked an impact, particularly the Nevada silver rush. Read on to learn how the Nevada silver rush began and its impact on the American landscape. Origins of the Nevada Silver Rush Arguably, the Nevada silver rush is the truest “rush” there ever was. It began when the first prospe ..read more

Silver is one of the earliest precious metals known to man. The first evidence of silver mining dates to 3000 B.C. in ancient Greece and Turkey. It has long been used as a form of currency and continues to be popular among precious metal investors. However, even with its popularity, not many people could tell you off the top of their head exactly where silver comes from. We’ll explain how silver is made from its formation in the earth to how it’s refined. How Silver Forms In The Earth Silver is formed from sulfur compounds within the earth where its crust heats up to between 200- and 400-degre ..read more

Owning silver jewelry can be tricky. On one hand, a silver necklace or bracelet can greatly enhance your outfit. However, sometimes its propensity to tarnish can ruin the look of your silver accessories. Today, we’ll explain why silver tarnishes and what you can do to help prevent your favorite silver accessories or utensils from losing their sheen. What Causes Silver To Tarnish? Pure silver never tarnishes. However, you likely don’t own a piece of jewelry or utensil made from pure silver because it is so soft it cannot be used to make these kinds of items. Pure silver is often mixed with othe ..read more

Though it may not be the most valuable precious metal, silver has many important uses in jewelry, technology and medicine. In fact, its affordability as a precious metal has allowed it to benefit many industries. Read on to learn 6 fun facts about silver that prove just how important a resource it is. 1.   Silver Is Linguistically Interesting Silver is undeniably associated with money. The words “silver” and “money” are the same in at least 14 different languages. For example, “argent” means money and silver in French, and in Irish, “airgead” means “money” in modern-day English, but ..read more

No type of gold or silver is magnetic. Knowing this, is it a good idea to verify whether you have real gold and silver by using a magnet test? To help answer this question, we’ve compiled a short guide that will explain what types of metals are magnetic and whether you should trust the magnet test to tell if you have real gold or silver. Magnetic Metals Few metals we encounter daily are magnetic. A few you may know include iron, nickel and cobalt. Metals you may encounter less often but are magnetic include neodymium, samarium, and gadolinium. The only time an item containing gold or silver co ..read more

You’ve likely heard of Sterling silver, but have you ever heard about Argentium silver? It is part of a new generation of silver alloys developed to combat problems typically associated with silver. Read on to learn what Argentium silver is and its notable features. What is Argentium Silver? Argentium silver is a part of a new generation of silver alloys. It was developed largely to combat the tarnish that happens when silver oxidizes after encountering air, which is a big drawback for people who love silver. This is not its only benefit, however. It also boasts other useful features, includin ..read more