Precious metals at all times cause genuine interest in humanity. One of the most popular is argentum (silver). This is the most mysterious and noble of all metals. Silver has a number of specific properties. Many people are interested in the question: whether products made of precious metal are magnetized? Let's get it right.
The properties
Argentum is included in the group of precious metals and It has an amazing silver-white color.. And also silver is known for its high ductility and malleability. Another distinguishing feature is its excellent electrical conductivity. This metal can withstand high loads, so it is widely used in modern industry. Argentum perfectly reflects light, and therefore is widely used in the manufacture of mirrors.
However, the most important "mission" of this metal is its application in the manufacture of jewelry and cutlery. Items made of pure silver (999 samples) have an amazing appearance, but their practicality is minimized.
Argentum quickly loses its shine without regular cleaning, and due to careless wear it breaks and deforms. In this regard, most jewelers use various alloys with alloyed silver.
It is also important to distinguish between the terms “silver” and “silvering”. In the first case we are talking about expensive metal, in the second - a product with a thin layer of argentum. Distinguish them with the help of the stigma. It is absent on silver-plated products, since only a small part of the precious metal was used in their creation. Pure silver does not magnetize. He has a zero magnetic moment. It is this method that allows you to distinguish it from a fake. It is enough to take the most powerful magnet (the reliability of the test depends on its thickness) and bring it closer to the item being tested (it is best to use a neodymium rare-earth magnet). If the product is magnetized, then you have a fake.
And also many confuse argentum with cupronickel. It is an alloy of copper with nickel. It is often called the “new silver." This alloy also does not magnetize, and looks very similar to a noble metal. In order to recognize cupronickel, it is necessary to carefully consider the product. Silver is equipped with a breakdown (numbers and a female head decorated with a kokoshnik), and the letters of the ISC are stamped on the alloy. And they also vary in weight: the alloy is much lighter than precious metal. Silver is often confused with platinum., which refers to the diamagnetic group of metals. It is often used to cover various inexpensive products (it gives a beautiful shade and shine).
However, platinum samples are different from silver. In the first case, we are talking about the numbers 375, 500, 585 and 958.
Why can silver be attracted?
However, in today's market you can come across the concept of "Magnetic technical silver" (an official term does not exist). This metal is instant sticks to the magnet, as there are certain reasons for this. The fact is that “magnetic technical silver” refers to alloys that are used for industrial purposes. The main components in this alloy are: copper, zinc, aluminum and cadmium. Their proportions depend on the specific purpose of a particular product. “Magnetic technical silver” used in contact plates, switches and buttons, has a purity of 60-65%.
And also if added to argentum nickel and iron (owners of ferromagnetic properties), the alloy will undoubtedly attract a magnet. Such products are very difficult to clean from pollution, but their price is quite affordable, unlike products made from pure silver.
See how to verify the authenticity of silver coins with a magnet in the next video.
