What on Earth is Silver?

Silver is a soft, white, shiny metal that occurs as a native element, in silver minerals and in the ores of other metals. It has been prized for coins, jewellery and tableware for thousands of years, and in crystal lore it is the metal of the moon. Major producers include the United States, Peru, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Bolivia, Argentina and Canada.

The Physical Properties of Silver

When silver is found, it is typically associated with copper, gold, sulfides of other metals, quartz, and other silver minerals. It is rarely found as a native element mineral in significant deposits. Silver is useful for solar energy because it has a higher optical reflective quality than any other metal. It is very resistant, doesn't dissolve in most solvents, and won't react to oxygen and water. However, silver reacts to sulfur and sulfides, which cause it to tarnish on exposed surfaces. Also, it is an excellent conductor and is resistant to high temperatures, so it's used in switches, coatings, and batteries.

Silver is a mineral that has a brilliant white metallic luster. It has a value of 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Most silver today is derived from silver ores, while considerable amounts are mined from native silver as well.

The History of Silver

Silver has a long history and tradition. From ancient times, it has been used for eating and drinking vessels, jewelry, and coins. People have been mining silver since 3,000 BC. In Greece, silver coins were used from about 400 BC, the Romans had their silver coin (denarius), and Anglo-Saxons made silver pennies from the 8^th century AD. The Incas and the Aztecs made jewelry from silver, and when the conquistadors conquered them, they looted the country of their precious metals using forced labor to mine silver. In 1858, silver was found in Nevada, which led to the silver rush.

The Lore of Silver

Many ancient cultures treasured silver for drinking vessels, bowls and ornaments, and it has long been a symbol of purity and of the moon.

The Metaphysical Properties of Silver

In crystal lore, silver is said to strengthen the power of the moon (especially during new and full moons). Because it is tied to the moon, it is also tied to feminine energy and the yin. Silver is reflective (it is used for mirrors), and just as the moon reflects sunlight, tradition says silver reflects negativity away from the wearer. People wear silver jewellery as a protective charm against ill will.

Also, in crystal lore silver is the metal of intuition, emotion and love. Paired with gemstones, silver is said to frame and carry the meaning of the stone, and it stands for perseverance and patience. Some people wear silver jewellery to bed, especially set with moonstone, as a nod to dreams and intuition. Browse sterling silver pendants and moonstone to see how the two look together.