Silver is a precious metal that has been valued and used by humans for thousands of years. It has gone by many different names throughout history in different cultures and languages. While silver is the most common English name used today, there are several other names and nicknames for this lustrous white metal.
Nicknames and Alternate Names for Silver
Here are some of the other names and nicknames that have been used for silver:
Argentum
The Latin word for silver is “argentum.” This is where the chemical symbol Ag comes from (Argentum is abbreviated as Ag). Argentum is derived from the Proto-Indo-European word “h2erǵ” which meant shining or white. In some Romance languages such as French and Spanish, forms of argentum are still used as the word for silver. For example, plata is silver in Spanish and argent is silver in French.
Luna
In alchemy, silver was associated with the moon and given the name luna. Luna means “moon” in Latin. This is because of the pale, moonlike sheen of polished silver. Alchemists believed there were connections between the moon, silver, and the metal tin.
Mithril
Mithril is a fictional precious metal from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth fantasy writings. It is described as looking like silver but being stronger and lighter than steel. The name mithril comes from two Elvish words in Tolkien’s created languages that mean “grey brilliance.” Although mythical, mithril has become a popular nickname for real silver among fantasy fans and gamers.
Sterling
Sterling silver refers to a grade of silver that is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The term “sterling” for silver dates back to around the 12th century in England. It may be related to the Old English word steorling, meaning little star. This could refer to a small star-shaped mark that was used to designate high quality silver.
Standard Silver
Standard silver is another term for sterling silver. It emphasizes that sterling silver meets a standard for purity and quality. Standard silver must be at least 92.5% pure silver according to U.S. and British law. This has been the case since the 12th and 13th centuries when sterling silver was first regulated.
Fine Silver
Fine silver is silver that is 99.9% pure. It is considered even purer than sterling silver, which is allowed to contain 7.5% copper or other metals. The term “fine” here denotes the very high purity and quality of the silver content. Fine silver is sometimes also called pure silver.
Coin Silver
In the 19th century, U.S. coin silver referred to an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper that was used to mint American coins. Coins marked “coin silver” were 90-92% silver, while sterling silver coins were marked “sterling” or “.925.” Coin silver is no longer used in coins today but was widely utilized in the 1800s.
German Silver
Despite its name, German silver contains no actual silver – it is an alloy of 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc. It has a silver-white appearance which led to its nickname of German silver. The metal has historically been used to make silver-plated cutlery, candlesticks, and other decorative items.
Nickel Silver
Like German silver, nickel silver is a silver-looking alloy that contains no silver. It is composed of copper, nickel, and sometimes zinc. Nickel provides the silvery appearance. The metal has been used for coins, jewelry, instruments, and dental fillings.
Origins and History of Silver
Now that we’ve looked at some of the different names used for silver, let’s examine the origins and history of this important metal.
Silver in Antiquity
Silver has been mined and used in jewelry, currency, and utensils since at least 3000 BC. The first evidence of silver mining dates back to ancient Turkey and Greece around 3000-2500 BC. Ancient Persian tablets also describe the taxation of silver mines in the 5th century BC.
In antiquity, silver’s pale brilliance led people to associate it with the moon. Silver was seen as having a mystical, feminine energy compared to the masculine, sunny energy of gold. Silver mining was an important source of wealth for the ancient Greeks and Romans. Slave labor was often utilized to extract silver from mines.
Silver in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, European silver production boomed thanks to new mining techniques. Germany became a leading source of silver in Europe by the 12th century, followed by Spain, Italy, and England.
Silver coins and silverware were popular among the nobility. Commoners used basic pewter or wood cutlery while the rich flaunted silver utensils. Tiny medieval towns could spring up around a newfound silver mine. Medieval silver miners had their own patron saint, Saint Oswald.
Silver in the Americas
The Spanish discovered massive silver deposits in Bolivia, Mexico, and Peru starting in the 16th century. Silver mining fueled the Spanish colonization of the Americas as conquerors forced native peoples to work in hazardous mines. Salt, essential for smelting silver, became another vital American export.
American silver stimulated global trade and allowed China in particular to obtain large quantities of the metal. Silver currency flowed through Spain to the rest of Europe and Asia. The growth of South American silver mining reshaped the global economy.
Silver Rushes in the U.S.
In the 19th century, various silver rushes occurred in western states like Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, and California. Lucrative silver veins triggered waves of immigration like the Comstock Lode in Nevada in the 1860s. Denver, Colorado also boomed thanks to silver mining in the 1870s.
However, silver mining could be environmentally destructive. Virginia City, center of the Comstock Lode, saw its forests razed for mine timbers and fuel. Large-scale silver mining also relied heavily on exploitative child and immigrant labor. Dangerous work conditions threatened miners with lung disease and mine collapses.
Modern Silver Mining and Use
Today, Peru remains a top producer of global silver. Mexico, China, Australia, Russia, Poland, and Chile also mine substantial amounts of silver. New technologies like cyanide heap leaching allow low-grade silver ore to be profitably mined. Recycled silver constitutes around 25% of supply.
In modern times, silver is prized both for jewelry and for industrial uses like electronics, silverware, batteries, solar panels, and photographic film. Silver nanoparticles are also being studied for use in medicine, textiles, and other innovations. Silver prices fluctuate but have generally risen long-term.
Unique Properties of Silver
Now let’s take a closer look at some of the unique properties that have made silver so valued throughout history:
Appearance
Pure silver has a brilliant white metallic luster. It is one of the whitest metals. Silver also has the highest optical reflectivity of any metal. Recognizable for its distinctive pale gray sheen, silver’s name comes from the Old English word seolfor, meaning “shining.”
Density
Silver has a density of 10.501 grams per cubic centimeter. This is very dense – almost twice as dense as iron and over ten times denser than gases like hydrogen. Silver’s density contributes to its desirability and usage in things like jewelry. A little bit of silver goes a long way compared to less dense substances.
Ductility
Ductility refers to a metal’s ability to be drawn into thin wires without breaking. Silver is the most ductile metal, even more ductile than gold. A single gram of silver can be drawn into a wire over 2 miles long. No other metal can match the immense ductility of silver.
Malleability
Malleability measures how easily a metal can be hammered or pressed into thin sheets and strips without cracking. Silver again rates among the most malleable metals, exceeded only by gold and perhaps copper. Silver can be flattened into incredibly thin, translucent sheets to use in electronics or photovoltaics.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
After copper and gold, silver is the third most thermally conductive metal, meaning it rapidly transfers heat. It is also the most electrically conductive metal in the world. Better than copper, silver’s conductivity makes it crucial for modern electronics and wiring. Over 50% of silver demand today is for industrial uses like these.
Antimicrobial
Silver has natural antimicrobial action against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Tiny silver particles or ions can disrupt the metabolism of microbes, making silver helpful in medicine, food storage, hygiene, and other fields. Ancient civilizations lacked this scientific knowledge but still recognized silver’s antibacterial properties.
Acoustic Properties
With its density, stiffness, and character, silver produces the clearest, most melodious sound when used for wind instruments like flutes and trumpets. It is also used for strings and cymbals. Silver’s unmatched acoustical qualities contribute to its status among musicians.
Silver in Symbolism and Folklore
Silver has taken on many symbolic and metaphorical meanings across different cultures:
Wealth and Fortune
As a highly valued precious metal, silver has long symbolized affluence and prosperity. Giving silver has represented the conferring of wealth or blesssings. Newborn babies were traditionally given silver spoons to wish them health and fortune.
Femininity
Associated with coolness, mystery, and the moon, silver has been considered a feminine metal in contrast to the sunnier, more assertive gold. Silver’s energy was seen as receptive, intuitive, and fluid. Figurines of goddesses and fertility symbols were often crafted from silver.
Purification
Silver’s antimicrobial properties made it linked to purification and sanitization across cultures. Egyptians, Romans, and Hindus used silver vessels to store water and prevent sickness. Silver has also symbolized purity and clarity like a polished mirror or clear water.
Betrayal
The famous thirty pieces of silver given to Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus represent a sense of silver as tainted money bringing betrayal. The expression “not worth a plugged nickel” also references the idea of silver coins being devalued and treacherous.
Justice
While it could symbolize betrayal, silver also took on connotations of honesty and justice. Silver dust or ore was sometimes sprinkled on a person during trials to detect lies. Money and valuables made from silver implied uprightness and fairness in commerce.
Weddings
For Romans, Greeks, and many other cultures, silver became strongly associated with marriage and engagement. Silver rings, bracelets, and gifts denoted love and commitment. Even today, most wedding bands are silver, platinum, or white gold.
Notable Uses and Examples of Silver
Here are some additional significant uses, objects, and artifacts made from silver that demonstrate its importance across history:
Silver Coins
Some of the most famous coins in history were minted in silver. These include Athenian coins like the famous “owls,” Roman denarii coins, Spanish pieces of eight, British sterling silver pennies, and American silver dollars including Morgan and Peace dollars.
The Code of Hammurabi
The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest legal codes in history, was inscribed on a black stone pillar plated in silver. This precious metal coating displayed the prestige and significance of the edicts within.
Swords and Weaponry
While not as tough as steel, silver was valued for ornamental and ceremonial weapons. The mythical Excalibur sword had a hilt studded in silver. Persian shamshirs featured golden blades and silver handles. Even today, silver is plated onto special presentation swords.
Tea Sets
Fancy antique English and Chinese tea services often featured intricate silver designs. Sterling silver kettles, pots, sugar bowls, and spoons added elegance to the genteel ritual of afternoon tea among the upper classes.
Photography
Silver nitrate and silver halides are essential to the chemistry of black and white photography. Early photographic plates, daguerreotypes, and prints relied on metallic silver to capture lasting images through exposure to light.
Brazing and Soldering
Silver’s thermal conductivity makes it useful for joining metals through brazing and soldering. Silver solders can take high heat, allowing metals like stainless steel to be joined. Jewelry, electronics, and automobiles incorporate silver soldering.
Dental Fillings
The durability and antibacterial nature of silver makes it ideal for dental cavities and fillings. Over 50 million ounces of silver are used annually just for U.S. dental work. Silver mercury amalgam fillings have been common since the 19th century.
Ethiopian Silver Crosses
In Ethiopia, elaborate handmade crosses plated in silver have been important religious and cultural objects for centuries. Ethiopian silver cross designs integrate Christian imagery with Ethiopian artistic styles.
Sterling Silver Flatware
Sterling silver cutlery has been a mainstay of fine dining for centuries. Silversmiths like Tiffany & Co., Gorham, Kirk, and Towle have created famous flatware lines still popular as wedding gifts today.
Silver Coins in Folklore
Tales like Saint George and the Dragon have featured silver coins or talismans with protective powers. Silver coins have warded off evil spirits, unlocked magic, and served as trail markers in fairy stories and myths worldwide.
Fun Facts About Silver
To wrap up, here are some intriguing fun facts about this remarkable metal:
- – Pure silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal, making it able to rapidly transmit heat for uses like electronics.
- – Silver is the most electrically conductive metal in existence. The only metals more conductive than silver are artificial alloys and semiconductors.
- – NASA uses silver coatings on spacesuits to protect astronauts from radiation and heat while in space.
- – Silver chloride was an early light-sensitive substance used for photography before common film emulsions.
- – The first neon signs ever made relied on silver-coated mirrors to reflect colorful neon tubes.
- – Silver iodide is sometimes sprayed onto clouds to artificially induce rain, a controversial weather modification technique called cloud seeding.
- – Silver nanoparticles show promise for boosting solar panel efficiency and allowing cells to trap more sunlight.
- – Colloidal silver supplements are marketed by some as immune system boosters, though effects and risks are uncertain.
- – Many musicians prefer wind instruments like flutes and saxophones to be plated in silver for optimal sound resonance.
- – Sterling silver vats and yeast helped Louis Pasteur discover how fermentation works, a crucial breakthrough for microbiology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, silver has accumulated numerous unique names, meanings, and associations across cultures and time periods. From argentum to mithril, this fabled metal has represented wealth, purity, justice, femininity, betrayal, and much more in human societies. With its striking sheen, inherent value, and applications from currency to electronics, silver continues to captivate humankind well into the modern era. The wide range of names for silver conveys the diverse symbolic roles it has played for centuries.
