Overview
Silver is a soft, white, highly conductive transition metal with antimicrobial properties and broad industrial use.
Properties
It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals and forms stable +1 compounds.
Occurrence and Uses
Silver is mined from sulfide ores and used in electrical contacts, mirrors, photography, jewelry and antimicrobial applications.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes Ag 107 and Ag 109 exist; silver compounds can be toxic in high doses and fine dusts require controls.