CPM Group Silver Soft, lustrous, white silver was one of the first metals known to humans. Together with gold, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, and platinum, it is one of the group called precious metals.
Silver is somewhat harder than gold and is second only to gold in malleability and ductility.
Once a standard in the world monetary system, today silver plays an important role as both a financial investment and industrial material. Investors often purchase physical silver in either bullion bar or coin form, with the majority of metal presently bought in the United States, Germany, and Canada. In emerging markets, investment demand for silver also is vibrant. However, in these countries, silver tends to be held in the form of jewelry, ornaments, and religious objects that are easily melted down and resold. In terms of fabrication demand, silver possesses many physical characteristics which make it a key component in numerous products used on a daily basis.