Argentum

Argentum is the Latin name for silver and is the etymological source of the chemical symbol Ag and the English word argent. In chemistry, argentum denotes the element silver, with atomic number 47. Silver is a soft, ductile, and malleable metal with a bright white luster. It is among the best electrical and thermal conductors and has the highest reflectivity of any metal in the visible spectrum. It is relatively stable in air but slowly tarnishes to a layer of silver sulfide when exposed to sulfur compounds.

Argentum occurs in native form and in minerals such as argentite (silver sulfide) and chlorargyrite (silver chloride). It is widely distributed in the Earth's crust but is typically recovered as a byproduct of mining copper, lead, and zinc ores. Major producers include Mexico, Peru, Chile, Russia, and Canada, among others.

Historically, silver has been used for coinage, jewelry, and tableware, as well as for decorative and ceremonial objects. In modern technology it remains essential in electronics and electrical contacts due to its high conductivity, in photography and imaging from the era of film, and in certain antimicrobial and catalytic applications. Silver offers continued value in dentistry, medicine, and various industrial processes through its compounds and materials.

Safety and environmental notes: metallic silver is relatively inert, but silver compounds can be toxic in sufficient quantities. Responsible handling, mining, refining, and disposal practices are important to mitigate environmental and health risks associated with silver production and use.