Page 28 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Silver
Silver lies between copper and gold as one of the softest metals. It is the best conductor of heat and electricity
of all the metals, but its softness and relative rarity mean that it has not been put into widespread use.
Silver, gold, platinum and mercury make up the noble metals. They share the common property that they do not oxidise readily when heated, and they
will not dissolve in most mineral acids. Silver has been treasured since ancient times, and it is called a precious metal, as are gold, platinum, iridium and palladium.
The main use of silver in the past has been for coins and jewellery. Even here softness
is a problem, and silver jewellery and coins are actually alloys of silver and copper. In fact, silver coins are at least one-tenth copper.
 Silver coins have been in existence for thousands
of years. This is an example of a Greek tetradrachma showing Apollo. It was minted between 261 and 246 B.C.
 A silver Djambia scabbard from Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula. The silver denotes wealth and importance.
Sterling silver
Silver jewellery, cutlery and serving dishes
are made of sterling silver. It consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, the copper being used to make the silver harder and more able to withstand the occasional knock without denting.
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