Silver (7440-05-3) – find manufacturers and suppliers

Silver is a shiny, white precious metal with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.

It has a bright, metallic sheen, is relatively soft, very malleable and polishable, but is susceptible to tarnishing from sulphur compounds in the air. Silver has been used for thousands of years for jewelry, coins and technical applications.

Below you will find an overview of the physical properties, extraction and main mining countries of silver, as well as an overview of its use and importance:

Physical properties of silver:

1. Symbol: Ag (from Latin Argentum)
2. Atomic number: 47
3. Density: 10.5 g/cm³
4. Melting point: 962 °C
5. Boiling point: 2,162 °C
6. Color: Metallic white glossy
7. Hardness (Mohs): 2.7
8. Formability: Relatively soft metal that is easy to form, emboss and polish.
9. Electrical conductivity: Best electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals.
10. Corrosion resistance: Resistant to many chemical influences - can tarnish due to sulphur compounds (e.g. in the air) and form a black layer of silver sulphide.

Extraction of silver:

Silver is one of the oldest metals used by humans and has a long history, both as a means of payment and as a jewelry and cultural asset.
Early civilizations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used silver as a currency and status symbol.

Primary deposits: Silver occurs in nature both in its pure form and in combination with other metals such as lead, copper and zinc.

Secondary deposits: Recycling plays a growing role in silver extraction today (e.g. from electronics, photography, jewelry).

Main silver-producing countries:

1. Mexico: The largest silver producer in the world for years.
2. Peru
3. China
4. Chile
5. Australia
6. Bolivia
7. Poland
8. USA

These countries mostly extract silver as a by-product of lead, zinc or copper mining.

Use of silver:

Silver is used in many areas worldwide - it is both technically indispensable and culturally and economically significant.

1. Industrial use:
Electronics: silver is used in circuit boards, switches, contacts and microprocessors - anywhere conductivity is important.
Solar energy: In photovoltaics, silver is a central component of the cells.
Soldering agents and catalysts: In the chemical industry, silver is involved in various processes.

2. Jewelry and handicrafts:
Silver is a very popular precious metal for rings, necklaces, watches, brooches and other jewelry.
It is often used as sterling silver (925 silver) - an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
Table silver, ornamental objects and works of art are also often made of or refined with silver.

3. Coins and precious metal investments:
Silver is traded in the form of bullion coins, e.g. Maple Leaf, Vienna Philharmonic, American Eagle, bars and as ETFs or certificates.
It is a popular form of investment for diversifying portfolios, as it has an intrinsic material value and has historically been regarded as gold's "little sister metal".
Silver is cheaper than gold, but is subject to VAT in many countries.

4. Medical technology:
Due to its antibacterial properties, silver is used in wound dressings, implants and coatings.

5. Cultural and symbolic significance:
In many cultures, silver represents purity, wisdom and the moon.
It is part of many rituals, awards (e.g. silver medals) and gifts for special occasions.
Silver has also played an important role in numismatics (coinage) for centuries.

5. Medical technology:
Due to its antibacterial properties, silver is used in wound dressings, implants and coatings.

Significance of silver:

• Silver has always had symbolic and material value. It stands for purity, clarity, the moon and femininity.
• In economic terms, it is considered both an investment and an indispensable raw material.
• Due to its lower price compared to gold, it is particularly attractive for newcomers to precious metal investments.
• At the same time, industrial demand is rising continuously, particularly due to the energy transition (keyword: solar industry).

Silver is a versatile, traditional precious metal with outstanding physical properties. It is technically indispensable, culturally deeply rooted and economically relevant - as an industrial and investment commodity in equal measure.
Due to its wide range of applications and its limited natural resources, silver remains a raw material that is in constant demand in industry, medicine, jewelry manufacturing and the financial world.

Here you will find the most important aspects to consider when buying silver.

Silver is cheaper than gold, but more volatile, subject to VAT (in many countries) and more industry-based.

• Before making a purchase, it should first be clear in what form the silver is required:
• Bars e.g. 100 g, 1 kg: classic for investment purposes; often with serial number and certificate.
• Coins e.g. Maple Leaf, Vienna Philharmonic: Popular with investors and collectors.
• Granules / powder: For industrial or craft purposes.
• Silver alloys: For jewelry production or technical applications.
• Old/recycled silver: Inexpensive source, but depends on the degree of purity.
• For investment products, you should look for 999 fine silver 99.9% pure.
• Purity and quality
• When buying silver, pay attention to the degree of fineness and the certified origin.
• Fineness: Investment products should have 999 or 999.9 fineness.
• Certification: LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) or ISO certificates for industrial goods.
• Visible features: Mint stamp, serial number, security packaging.
• What about pricing and fees? Please note the following points:
• Spot price: Current daily silver price (per troy ounce).
• Premium: Dealer markup - depending on denomination, shape, brand and market availability.
• VAT: In many countries (such as Germany), silver is subject to VAT (19%). Coins or differential taxation can bring advantages here.
• If possible, only buy from well-known, licensed precious metal dealers.
• Beware of offers with unrealistically low prices. Unverifiable sources (marketplaces, social networks). Offers without invoices or proof of origin.
• Before buying, also clarify the aspects of storage and security. Due to its volume, silver requires more space than gold. Professional storage is important:
• Own vault: For smaller holdings, inexpensive but risky.
• Bank safe deposit box: Safe, but usually not insured.
• Specialized high-security storage facilities: For larger quantities - often insured, can be anonymized.
• Duty-free warehouse: VAT-free storage, e.g. in Switzerland or Singapore.
• Please note the following legal and tax aspects:
• VAT liability: In Germany 19% on silver bars - exceptions for coins with differential taxation.
• Speculation tax: Private sale tax-free after 12 months holding period (for physical possession).
• Documentation obligation: From € 2,000 (cash payment), identification obligation applies (Money Laundering Act).
• Export/import: For cross-border trade: observe customs regulations, proof of origin and any special tax requirements.
• For many, silver is an entry point into the precious metals market - but with greater volatility than gold.
• Sustainability plays a role, especially for companies (and increasingly also private investors). Therefore, clarify where the silver comes from before buying.
• Conflict-free silver (from ethically responsible mines), recycled silver: environmentally friendly and often cheaper, certificates & proof of origin: particularly important for ESG-compliant investments.

The purchase of silver requires a thorough analysis of whether the silver is to be used for industrial, jewelry or investment purposes. The selection of reputable dealers and secure storage strategies are elementary prerequisites for a safe purchase. Sound knowledge of prices, quality and tax aspects is essential to minimize risks and secure long-term benefits.

Silver can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information on silver suppliers from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.