History of Silver in Timeline

Silver is a chemical element with the symbol Ag and atomic number 47. It's a soft, whitish-gray, lustrous transition metal known for its exceptional electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity – the highest among all metals. Silver is found in the Earth's crust in its pure form, in alloys with gold and other metals, and in minerals like argentite and chlorargyrite. A significant portion of silver production is a byproduct of refining other metals like copper, gold, lead, and zinc.

1978: Discovery of Radiogenic Silver in Santa Clara Meteorite

In 1978, radiogenic silver was first discovered in the Santa Clara meteorite, marking a significant finding in understanding the presence of unstable nuclides in the early Solar System.

1984: Beginning of Understanding Silver's Chemical Characteristics and Toxicity

Around 1984, scientists began to understand the chemical characteristics of silver and its potential toxicity to marine life, noting that mercury is the only other trace metal with greater toxicity.

1999: Peak Global Demand for Photographic Silver

In 1999, the peak global demand for photographic silver reached 267,000,000 troy ounces (8,304.6 tonnes).

2007: Silver Designated as Official Precious Metal of Texas

In 2007, the Texas Legislature designated silver as the official precious metal of Texas.

2013: Significant Market Contraction for Photographic Silver

By 2013, the market for photographic silver had contracted almost 70% from its peak in 1999 due to the rise of digital cameras.

2015: Top Near-Term Mine Development Projects

In 2015, top near-term mine development projects included Pascua Lama in Chile, Navidad in Argentina, Jaunicipio in Mexico, Malku Khota in Bolivia, and Hackett River in Canada, highlighting the ongoing efforts to expand silver production.