Silver is a white, shining metal occurring naturally in its pure, free form. It is an alloy with gold and other metals, and is also found in minerals such as argentite and chlorargyrite.
Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal. It is used as a precious metal very useful in making jewelry items, utensils, and currency coins. The metal can also be extracted from recycled materials, primarily used photographic materials.
The compounds of silver are used in photographic film and also used as disinfectants and microbiocides.
The World Map of Silver Producing Countries shows the list of the major countries that produce large quantities of silver. As shown in the map, Peru is the largest producer of silver; in 2010 the country produced 4000 metric tonnes of silver.
Mexico is the second-largest producer followed by China, Australia, Chile, Russia, Bolivia, United States, Poland, and Canada.
In 1792, silver assumed a key role in the United States monetary system when silver dollar was adopted as the currency. In the twentieth century, the economic value of silver was enhanced as it was recognized as an industrial raw material.
Although silver is relatively scarce, it is the most plentiful and least expensive of the precious metals.
MAJOR SILVER PRODUCING COUNTRIES-2010
| COUNTRY | PRODUCTION IN METRIC TONNES |
| Peru | 4000 |
| Mexico | 3500 |
| China | 3000 |
| Australia | 1700 |
| Chile | 1500 |
| Russia | 1400 |
| Bolivia | 1360 |
| United States | 1280 |
| Poland | 1200 |
| Canada | 700 |
| Othercountries | 2600 |