Abstract
The workability, beauty, and bacteriocidal effects of silver have made it a most desirable metal since ancient times. The combination of desirable properties and the total resistance of silver to the formation of oxides has established its position as a critical metal for a myriad of advanced technology applications. Silver also imparts the properties to the many metals with which it forms commercially important alloys. Among its many important salts, the halides stand as unique photosensitive salts, providing the basis for high quality photography as well as for photochromic glass.
More obscure properties of silver such as its high thermal reflectivity are also being fully exploited. For example, silver is used to provide energy-saving domestic window glass. The unique interaction of silver and oxygen is being used to advantage in the superconductor industry. The superior fatigue resistance and lubricity of silver make it an essential component of high performance jet engines.