Pure Silver and its Applications

Pure Silver is a white glistening transitional metallic compound which is somewhat harder than gold and is exceptionally flexible and malleable. It is grouped with the valuable metals. Silver is steady in air and water, however it tarnishes when exposed to hydrogen sulfide, ozone or air containing sulfur due to the development of silver sulfide. Human body also contains low concentration of silver acquired mainly through inhalation of the particles present in the atmosphere and also through contaminated food or drinking water; however, there is no trace of silver metal in the body.

Silver is a noble metal since it resists oxidation and corrosion. It is the best electrical and thermal conductor amongst all other metals which makes it best for electrical appliances and its applications. Its non-toxic and antimicrobial properties make it valuable in the field of medicine. Due to its high reflectivity and luster, it is ideal for different silverwares, mirrors and jewelry. Silver’s malleability enables it to be leveled into sheets, and its ductility allows it to be drawn into wires and makes it perfect for industrial applications. Its photosensitivity has also given it a spot in film photography.

Silver has been known as an all purpose remedy for various health problems, infections and illnesses before the development of modern antibiotics. It has revived its popularity recently with most claiming that it is capable of removing modern day antibiotics and medicine. Silver had been used in the field of medicine since years and is considered as a cure-all remedy for everything starting from tuberculosis and arthritis to herpes and cancer. Even today, many practitioners strongly believe that colloidal silver is nature’s antibiotic that provides health benefits by boosting the body’s immune system and curing common and severe infections. Silver is widely known medication that kills different types of disease causing microorganisms, yeast, and parasites. It is a powerful bactericide which has gained popularity because of its broad antibacterial spectrum and is extensively used in medical devices and wound dressings.  Silver is increasingly used as a useful chemotherapeutic, antifungal and antibacterial in wound dressing products, therapeutic devices such as catheters, bone cements, surgical sutures, cardiovascular prostheses, dental fillings, bone tissue engineering, and also has its wide application in beauty care products, and even household machines. Silver seems to have a plenty of other uses which is beyond human expectation and is yet to be discovered.