Silver is an extremely ductile metal with a brilliant white luster. It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals as well as the highest optical reflectivity in the visible range (gold plating is superior in the infrared range). Silver offers excellent high-temperature lubricity making it an excellent coating for anti-galling and anti-seizing applications on high temperature nuts and bearing surfaces with service temperatures up to 1200F. 99.9% pure, matte silver offers excellent solderability and wire bonding ideal for lead frames and circuit applications.

Silver has been known since ancient times for making jewelry and high-end utensils and is generally considered a precious metal. In reality silver is more properly designated a semi-precious metal due to the fact that it readily tarnishes, forming silver sulfide on the surface when exposed to air or water containing an oxidant and source of sulfur.