1. Silver: A Mineral By Rachel Gerstenfeld and Jessica Muchnick

2. Physical Characteristics Color: silver/white with exposed black tarnishing Luster: Metallic Transparency: Opaque Cleavage: Absent Fracture: Jagged Streak: Silver/White Hardness: 2.5-3

3. Chemical Composition Silver is an element (Ag), and it is made of only silver

4. Located Silver can be found in 56 countries The largest reserves are in Nevada (USA), Alaska (USA), Canada, Mexico, Peru, and China

5. Processing Silver-bearing ores are mined in open- underground pits The specific extractive metallurgy process is dependent on whether the silver-bearing mineral is copper, zinc, or lead

6. Value On 1-6-14, silver was worth approximately $0.64 an ounce and $646.87 for a kilogram

7. What can Silver be used for? photography a catalyst for ethylene scientific equipment making mirrors jewelry dishes and tea sets electronics dental/medical equipment coins instruments water idstillation

8. Silver in its unprocessed form

9. What is a Gemstone? Why aren't all minerals gems? It’s a precious stone that is cut, polished, and used in jewelry. Gemstones are crystalline forms of mineral. Not all minerals are in their crystalline forms. Also, gemstones are specifically used in jewelry.

10. Birthstones- December 27th April 25th Blue Topaz Diamond