Silver is one of the most versatile metals on Earth, with a unique combination of uses as both a precious metal and an industrial metal.
Today, the applications of silver span many modern technologies, including solar panels, electric vehicles, and 5G devices. Additionally, the use of silver in currency, medicine, art, and jewelry has helped develop civilization, trade, and technology for thousands of years.
3,000 BC – The Middle Ages
Silver began to be known and used around 3,000 BC in present-day Turkey, where its mining activities stimulated trade in the ancient Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Traders would use rough-cut pieces of silver as a medium for exchanging goods and services.
By approximately 1,200 BC, the ancient Greeks started refining and minting silver coins from mines located just outside of Athens. By 100 BC, present-day Spain had become the center of silver mining for the Roman Empire. By the late 1400s, Spain brought the applications of silver to the New World, where large silver mines were discovered in the hills of Bolivia.
Besides its commercial uses, silver was also recognized for its antibacterial properties. For example, wine and food trays were often made of silver to extend shelf life. In addition, during outbreaks of the plague in medieval and Renaissance Europe, people used silver utensils to eat and drink to protect themselves from disease.
The 1800s – 2000
The medical applications of silver were explored in the 19th and 20th centuries. Surgeons stitched wounds post-surgery with silver sutures to reduce inflammation. In the early 1900s, doctors prescribed silver nitrate eye drops to prevent conjunctivitis in newborns. In the 1960s, NASA developed a water filter that distributed silver ions to kill bacteria and purify water on its spacecraft.
The Industrial Revolution spurred the beginning of industrial applications for silver. Due to its light sensitivity and high reflectivity, it became a key component in photography, windows, and mirrors. Even today, the windows of skyscrapers are often coated with silver to reflect sunlight and keep interior spaces cool.
The 2000s – Present
The use of silver has come a long way. Silver is one of the best conductors of electricity, making it an indispensable choice for electronic devices. Most electronic devices contain silver, from smartphones to electric vehicles. Solar panels also use silver as a conductive layer in photovoltaic cells to efficiently transport and store electricity. Additionally, it has several medical applications ranging from treating burns and wounds to eliminating bacteria in air conditioning systems and clothing.
The Future Applications of Silver
Silver remains an essential resource for various industries and technologies due to its unique properties, from antibacterial characteristics to high electrical conductivity. Today, silver plays a crucial role in renewable energy technology. With each era, silver continues to prove its value.
