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What is Argentium silver?
Is it real silver?
Is there bullion and jewelry made from this silver alloy?
Learn it below in my guide!
- What is Argentium Silver (Definition and Meaning)? Is it Real Silver? Why is This Silver Type Called “Argentium”
- Is Argentium Silver Magnetic?
- Is Argentium Silver Hypoallergenic?
- Does Argentium Silver Tarnish?
- Is There Bullion Made From Argentium Silver?
- Is There Jewelry Made From Argentium Silver?
- What is the Hallmark for Argentium Silver?
- Does Argentium Silver Generate Negative Ions?
Table of Contents
What is Argentium Silver (Definition and Meaning)? Is it Real Silver? Why is This Silver Type Called “Argentium”
Silver Argentium is a modern silver alloy with a higher silver content (93.5%, 94%, or 96%) and germanium as copper replacement.
Silver Argentium is a real silver alloy, a modern type that contains a higher percentage of pure silver than sterling silver (92.5% silver) and also incorporates germanium for enhanced tarnish resistance and increased durability and strength.
The name “Silver Argentium” comes from the Latin word “argentum,” meaning silver, and the addition of germanium to the alloy.
Is Argentium Silver Magnetic?
No, Silver Argentium isn’t magnetic. It’s diamagnetic.
Silver Argentium is diamagnetic because pure silver is diamagnetic, and Silver Argentium has a huge percentage of pure silver in it (93.5%, 94%, or 96%) with the remaining few percent consisting of germanium and copper.
Pure silver, copper and germanium are all diamagnetic metals making Silver Argentium diamagnetic.
Is Argentium Silver Hypoallergenic?
Yes, Argentium silver is hypoallergenic.
Argentium Silver isn’t allergenic because this silver alloy has a huge percentage of pure silver in it (93.5%, 94%, or 96%) with the remaining few percent consisting of germanium and copper.
Germanium is hypoallergenic and silver doesn’t cause skin allergies as well. These two metals accounts for roughly 99% of content in the Argentium Silver alloy.
The remaining 1% of copper won’t cause any skin sensitivity because 1% of copper isn’t enough to cause a reaction.
Does Argentium Silver Tarnish?
Yes, Argentium silver tarnishes, but to a far lesser degree than pure silver and other silver alloys.
Silver Argentium is more resistant to tarnishing than other silver forms because the addition of germanium creates a protective layer that slows down the formation of silver oxide, which is what causes tarnishing.
Germanium is tarnish-protective because it acts as an “oxygen grabber,” forming a barrier that prevents oxygen from reacting with the silver and copper, thus minimizing tarnish.
Argentium silver also has very little copper in it (~1%). And copper within any silver alloy reacts with air elements, for example sulfur, causing a chemical reaction that makes silver start to darken and get an unpleasant, dull look.
Is There Bullion Made From Argentium Silver?
No, there isn’t bullion made from Argentium silver. Older silver coins have various amount of silver, while newer silver coins and bars are made from 999 silver (Fine Silver), the purse form of silver possible.
Silver bullion made from 999 silver is called IRA-approved silver.
Note: Augusta Precious Metals is the best place where you can buy IRA-eligible silver you can include as part of your silver IRA account.
Is There Jewelry Made From Argentium Silver?
Yes, there’s Argentium silver jewelry, but it’s exceedingly rare. Only a few sites online offer Argentium silver, and often in limited quantities.
What is the Hallmark for Argentium Silver?
The hallmark for Argentium silver is The “Winged Unicorn”.
Here’s what Winged Unicorn silver hallmark looks like.
Does Argentium Silver Generate Negative Ions?
Silver, including Argentium silver, doesn’t inherently generate negative ions in the same way that certain other materials, such as those used in negative ion generators, are purported to do.
While silver can form ions, silver ions typically carry a positive charge (Ag+), meaning they have lost electrons rather than gaining them.
What is Argentum Silver (Conclusion)?
Argentium silver is a modern silver alloy containing 93.5-96% pure silver with germanium replacing copper, making it superior to traditional sterling silver (92.5%). The name derives from the Latin “argentum” meaning silver.
Silver Argentium is non-magnetic (diamagnetic), hypoallergenic, and highly tarnish-resistant due to germanium’s protective properties.
While no bullion is made from Argentium silver (bullion uses 999 fine silver), jewelry does exist but is extremely rare and available in limited quantities online. The official hallmark is a “Winged Unicorn.” Unlike some materials, Argentium silver doesn’t generate negative ions, as silver ions are typically positively charged.
- Argentium 940 Silver Sheet 0.70mm- https://www.cooksongold.com/Argentium-Silver/Argentium-940-Silver-Sheet-0.70mm-prcode-CS40-070
- Argentium vs Sterling Silver: What’s the Difference?- https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/learn/argentium-vs-sterling-silver/
- Which do you think looks better in rings – Argentium silver or sterling silver? https://www.reddit.com/r/SilverSmith/comments/114ucms/which_do_you_think_looks_better_in_rings/
- WINGED UNICORN STAMPS- https://www.argentiumguild.com/winged-unicorn-stamps
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.
