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SILVER USES – USES OF SILVER

The uses for silver been both common uses of silver and industrial uses of silver for thousands of years. The most common use of silver is money and throughout the world silver prices, like the gold price or platinum price, are quoted. Silver uses as money, next to gold, has been unparalleled and a common ingredient in silver jewelry, silverware and silver decorative items.

Silver uses are divided into three main categories: (1) traditional or common uses of silver, (2) industrial uses of silver and (3) emerging technology. Why are there so many uses of silver? The uses for silver come from a variety of unique properties including strength, malleability, ductility and thermal ability. These properties make silver a valuable commodity in the world economy and are the reasons for refining silver.

SILVER USES – COMMON USES FOR SILVER

Use of silver as money has taken place as currency and coinage for thousands of years. Silver coins and silver bars are used as silver investment vehicles for investors desiring to protect their wealth and achieve financial growth.

Another of the uses of silver is fine jewelry. Silver’s fine luster finish and malleability make it a great choice. Pure silver is tarnish resistant but rather soft and so this use of silver is not very advisable. So, many silversmiths combine pure silver with other metallic alloys such as copper for jewelry use.

Use of silver in photography is another primary use. Silver-based photography is founded on light-striking silver crystals on a set of film. This produces a sharper image and is a cheaper alternative to the high cost of maintaining digital based photo images.

Other common uses of silver include electronics such as cell phones or laptops, medicinal uses for silver harnessing its anti-microbial or anti-biotic properties, dentistry, mirrors, optics, clothing and etc. Silver uses are extremely wide and varied in the world economy.

SILVER USES – INDUSTRIAL USES OF SILVER

The melting point of silver is 1,763.2°F or 961.78°C and the boiling point of silver is 3,924°F or 2,162°C. There are many industrial uses of silver because of silver’s high tolerance for heat and silver’s electrical conductivity. For example, a use of silver is to coat the touch-sensitive switches and buttons in television sets, telephones, cell phones, toys and computer keyboards.

Another of the silver uses is with circuit boards in computers. Most motherboards contain silver. Compact disks and DVD’s are coated with silver for its high-glossy look and to help with information retrieval. Many batteries are manufactured using silver alloys. Though expensive silver cells are usually superior to alternatives.

SILVER USES – THE USES OF SILVER WITH EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

Important uses of silver are in the field of medicine. Several studies have shown that silver has anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-biotic characteristics. For example, burn victims require a daily change of bandages. A use for silver is to line the inside the bandages prevent infection growth.

Another of the silver uses is with solar energy because silver paste is used in silicon photovoltaic cells to harness the sun’s energy. Silver is environmentally friendly.

CONCLUSION – USES FOR SILVER

The uses of silver in ordinary daily life are tremendous. There are common uses of silver ranging from cell phones to dentistry or industrial uses of silver such as televisions or circuitry. With new techniques and important uses for silver being developed every day the silver mining industry has consumers for their product. Because silver is money and the use of silver by the world economy these are only a few of many reasons to buy silver.

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