Gem Hut - Silver Gemstones

Silver

Hardness

2.5.
Occurrence
Found in areas associated with copper. Leading areas are South America, U.S.A., Australia and the Former U.S.S.R..
Appearance
Metallic, and silver-white in color, one of the precious metals, although considerably less valuable than gold or platinum. Exposure to oxygen or the air causes a black oxidation to form on the surface (silver-oxide), also known as tarnish. Silver is often alloyed with copper to form sterling silver (92.5 percent silver) for use in jewelry. Silver is also used to make coins and bullion.