The element ranks about 66th in natural abundance in crustal rocks. Pure silver is only found to a small extent, mostly in Peru and Norway where the mines have been worked for centuries. Pure silver is also found associated with pure gold as the alloy known as electrum, and large amounts are recovered in the processing of gold. Some of the important silver minerals are cerargyrite, pyrargyrite, sylvanite and argentite. Half of the world's production of silver is obtained as a by-product in the processing of lead, copper and zinc ores.
Sterling silver is used for jewelry and silverware, where appearance is important.
Silver is used to coat smooth glass surfaces for mirrors. Also, it is used widely in the circuitry of electrical and electronic components. Argyrol, a silver-protein compound, is a local antiseptic for the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Silver is of utmost importance in photography. Bayer Corporation is a research-based company with major businesses in health care and life sciences, and chemicals.