Since silver can act as a dual value, one being
a commodity and the second a monetary value, to my thinking
there are two distinct major categories of silver usage, those
being simply money and metal. The focus of this web site and
discussion is primarily concerned with the monetary aspect
of silver, and as mentioned, I consider this usage of silver
to be a separate consideration from the industrial / medical
uses of silver. It
is significant to be aware of and consider that demand for
silver for capital preservation in a monetary crisis can outstrip
any industrial demand within a very short period of time, overwhelming
any normal supply / demand characteristics set by standard
market dynamics.
However, aside from any monetary considerations, there is a very wide usage of
silver in a commodity sense, due to its unique properties of conductivity, light
sensitivity, strength and malleability, anti microbial properties and simple
aesthetic appeal. In addition to the well known usages of silver for jewelry,
silverware and photography, there are also numerous applications of the metal
for medical purposes and water purification, in a very wide range of electrical
applications, is widely used in various industrial settings, and is being studied
for future use for its potential in fuel cells and superconductivity.
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