There are many applications for silver and silver compounds. Pure silver is the best conductor of heat and electricity of any known metal. For this reason, silver is used to make solder, sockets, solar panels and power strips.
Besides being a conductor, silver is also the best light-reflecting substance known. Mirrors are therefore made of silver and coated with a protective layer to prevent them from cracking. Silver is also used to make coins. Sterling silver has an alloy that is 92.5% silver and is used to make cutlery, jewellery and other decorative items. Silver and zinc or silver and cadmium can be used to make high-capacity batteries. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) is photosensitive and is therefore used to make photographic film and paper. Silver iodide (AgI) is used to create clouds for rain production.
Silver sometimes occurs as a free metal, but is usually found in ores as argenite (silver sulphide). Silver deposits can be found in Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Norway, Sardinia and the US.