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What the name means: The word silver probably derives from the Anglo Saxon word for the metal, seolfor or siolfur. The chemical symbol, Ag, comes from the Latin word argentum. In French the word for silver is “argent”.

Who identified silver? Silver has been mined and used since prehistoric times. There is a reference to silver in the Book of Genesis in the Bible. Silver was associated with the Moon and the symbol used for silver in ancient times is a crescent moon.

About silver: Silver is usually found as the element in lead, zinc and copper ores. It is also associated with gold deposits. It is widely used in jewellery and in photographic film.