SILVER

Ag

Atomic Number = 47, Atomic Weight = 107.870

Color = Silver-white, tarnish yellow, brown, metallic, black

Streak = Silver-white to light gray, shining

Specific gravity = 10.1 to 11.1

Hardness = 2 ½ to 3

Cleavage = none

Best Field marks = White color, malleability, and hardness

Similar minerals = Silver is whiter and harder than lead. It is softer than platinum.

Melting point = 1762 degrees F (961 degrees C)

Environment = Silver is deposited in veins and in volcanic rocks. The veins may be hypothermal or mesothermal and may contain quartz, uraninite, and nickeline. In volcanic deposits it may occur with copper, chalcocite, and pumpellyite. Silver is soluble in nitric acid and will tarnish if exposed to hydrogen sulfide fumes. Can be found as wire forms, grains, masses, and sometimes as cubic crystal forms. Often found with argentite and other sulfides.

OCCURRENCE: Often found in Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, California in the U.S.A. and Mexico.

REFERENCE: Fire Assaying by Shepard and Dietrich and The Prospector's Guide by Steven and Mary Taylor and Rocks and Minerals by Simon and Schuster and Rocks and Minerals by Sorrell and Sandstrom

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