Argenteum

Argenteum is the Latin term for silver, derived from argentum. In historical and scientific contexts it is used to evoke the metal itself, and in modern usage it sometimes appears as a stylistic name for products or brands that wish to suggest silver.

The chemical element commonly associated with argenteum has the symbol Ag and atomic number 47. Its name and symbol derive from the Latin argentum; the root argent- appears in many English terms related to silver. Silver is a transition metal noted for its luster, malleability, and high conductivity.

Silver is a soft, highly ductile metal with a bright white appearance. It has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and very high thermal conductivity. It tarnishes in air containing sulfur, forming silver sulfide. Its melting point is 961.8°C and its boiling point is 2162°C. The element occurs naturally in several minerals and as native metal.

Occurrence and production: Silver occurs as native metal in some deposits and in minerals such as argentite (Ag2S) and chlorargyrite (AgCl). It is mined as a byproduct of copper, lead, and gold mining. Common alloys include sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver, with the remainder copper, among other alloy formulations.

Uses and history: Silver has been used since antiquity for coinage, jewelry, and decorative objects. In modern technology it is widely employed in electronics, electrical contacts, mirrors, and photovoltaic cells. Silver ions have antimicrobial properties, contributing to coatings and certain medical applications.

Isotopes and weight: Silver has two stable isotopes, 107Ag and 109Ag, with natural abundances of about 51.8% and 48.2%, respectively. Its standard atomic weight is approximately 107.87.