Next to gold, silver is the most malleable and ductile metal known. It is harder than gold but softer than copper. This softness limits its use, even for coinage, unless it is alloyed with about 10% copper.

How malleable is sterling silver?

Similar in its composition and character to gold and copper, silver is a very soft, ductile and malleable metal which also takes a very high polish. While it doesn't have the hardness of gold, it still has many uses, especially when alloyed with other metals to make it harder.

Can silver be destroyed?

A lustrous, soft white metal, silver is one of the elements that make up the Earth. ... Tarnish can easily be removed, however, and does not destroy the metal the way oxidation process known as rust destroys iron. The fact that silver is otherwise impervious to the elements helps define it as a precious metal.