The Latin name of silver is Argentium, and that is why it's chemical symbol is 'Ag'. Silver occurs as metal and in silver ores such as Argentite (Ag₂S), often accompanied by copper, lead and zinc ores. The main deposits of silver are located in Canada. Deposits of silver are also in Cobalt, Ontario and keremos and at several locations in the Yukon and the Northwest territories.

Silver is relatively soft metal and is highly malleable and ductile. Silver is not very resistant to contamination by sulphur as silver sulphide tarnishes silver. Metals that are alloyed with silver improve it's physical properties alongwith making it more economical. The alloying metals not only dilute the silver content to make it more economical, but enhance its physical properties as well.