• Conductivity and Malleability

Although copper wire is much more common due to its lower price, silver is the most electrically and thermally conductive metal or element known to man. It is also very malleable, only slightly less so than gold, which partially explains its widespread use in coins. The blades of knives in silverware are usually stainless steel, since silver is too soft to be an effective cutting material.

• Reflectivity

Silver is also the most reflective metal known, which explains its use in mirrors. Unfortunately, it rapidly tarnishes, especially when exposed to air containing sulfur.

• Effects on the Body

Silver can easily be absorbed into the bloodstream, and in high enough quantities, it can cause a condition called argyria, which is characterized by bluish-gray skin. Silver also has germicidal properties and is sometimes used to fight illness for this reason. People also used to put silver dollars in milk bottles in an effort to keep the milk from spoiling.

• Cloud Seeding

Silver Iodide, one of silver’s compounds, is frequently used for cloud seeding, the process of spraying clouds with chemicals to induce precipitation. Small planes are often used in this endeavor.

• X-Ray Uses

Most x-ray film still has a silver component, and when developed, a chemical washes off the unexposed silver crystals, which are then reclaimed from the development system and usually sold. In most areas, silver is considered a pollutant, so it’s illegal to let unused silver of this kind go down the drain into the sewage system.

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