Silver

General Information 

Silver can be found pure, but is usually mixed with small amounts of gold, arsenic, and antimony. A natural alloy of gold and silver is known as Electrum, and is usually classified as a variety of Gold.

Silver is a very resistant mineral. It does not dissolve in most solutions, and won't react to oxygen or water. Its weak point is its reaction to sulphur and sulphides, which cause it to tarnish. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is found in the atmosphere in small quantities, and when silver is exposed to normal air it reacts to the hydrogen sulphide, causing the tarnish. Egg yolks, which contain large quantities of sulphur dioxide (SO2), as well as sulphur ores, should be kept away from silver. Several chemical coats are available to protect it from tarnish, and certain polishes remove tarnish.

Where mined

 Some of the finest silver has come Kongsberg, Norway, where beautiful crystals and wiry masses occur
with Calcite and silver sulphides. Beautiful Silver specimens are also commonly found throughout Mexico; the most renowned locality being Batopilas, in Chihuahua. Quality specimens are also found in the
Czech Republic, the U.S., and Canada. The most famous Canadian locality is at Cobalt, Timiskaming District, Ontario. In the U.S., fabulous Silver masses occur with Copper in the Keweenaw Peninsula in
Michigan. This mixture is known as a "Half-breed". Another famous locality is Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona. Australia and Peru also produce considerable amounts of Silver.

Anniversary Gift for Silver

Sterling Silver is the anniversary gift for the 25th year of marriage.

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