Does silver magnetise and what does it mean?

Precious metals at all times arouse genuine interest in humanity. One of the most popular is argentum (silver). It is the most mysterious and noblest of all metals. Silver has a number of specific properties. Many people are interested in the question: Are products made of noble metal magnetically? Let's figure it out.

Argentum belongs to the group of noble metals and has an amazing silver-white color... And also silver is known for its high plasticity and malleability... Another distinguishing characteristic is its excellent electrical conductivity. This metal perfectly withstands high loads, therefore 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. Products made of pure silver (999 standard) have an amazing appearance, but their practicality is minimized.

It is also important to distinguish between the terms "silver" and "silvering". In the first case, we are talking about an expensive metal, in the second - a product with a thin layer of Argentum applied. It will be possible to distinguish them with the help of a stigma. It is absent on silver-plated items, since only a small part of the precious metal was used in their creation. Pure silver does not magnetize. It has 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 directly 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 this is a fake.

And also many confuse argentum with cupronickel. It is an alloy of copper and nickel. It is often referred to as "new silver". This alloy also does not magnetise, but outwardly is very similar to a noble metal. In order to recognize cupronickel, you need to carefully examine the product. The silver is equipped with a test (numbers and a woman's head decorated with a kokoshnik), and the letters MNTs are engraved on the alloy. And they also differ in weight: the alloy is much lighter than the precious metal. Silver is often confused with platinum, which belongs to the diamagnetic group of metals. It is often used to coat various inexpensive products (it gives a beautiful shade and shine).

However, in the modern market, one may encounter the concept "Magnetic technical silver" (there is no official term). This metal instantly sticks to the magnet for a reason. The fact is that "magnetic technical silver" refers to alloys that are used for industrial purposes. The main components in such an alloy are copper, zinc, aluminum and cadmium. Their proportions depend on the specific purpose of a particular product. The "magnetic technical silver" used in contact plates, switches and buttons is 60-65% pure.

And also if added to Argentum nickel and iron (owners of ferromagnetic properties), then the alloy will undoubtedly attract a magnet. Such products are very difficult to clean from contamination, but their price is quite affordable, in contrast to products made of pure silver.

For information on how to check the authenticity of silver coins using a magnet, see the next video.