Silver is generally known for its use in is generally known for its use in coins , silverware and of course jewellery. However, today these account for less than 50% of all silver consumption. In fact, silver has a whole host of unique properties that has rendered it the ideal material for a number of industrial uses.

Of all the metals, silver is the best thermal and electrical conductor, is both malleable and ductile, able to be flattened into fine sheets and drawn out into thin, flexible wires, and it is also resistant to corrosion and oxidation. For these reasons it is extremely valuable in industrial and electrical applications. On top of this, silver is anti-microbial as well as non-toxic which makes it useful in medicine and a number of consumer products. Also, with the recent discovery of nano-silver, the white metal has expanded into home appliances.

In comparison to most other precious metals, silver is more widely available and relatively cheap. In many instances this has led to silver being seen as disposable with nano-silver being used in a plethora of everyday items – who would have thought we’d consider washing our clothes with nano-particles of the metal we once wore as prized jewellery?

Whether in laundry detergent or inside jet engines, silver has become a material of innovation and is now appearing in a number of unexpected places and products. Take a look at our infographic below to find out some of the most incredible uses for silver for yourself!



From: BullionVault – buy silver at live silver prices