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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Ionic and Colloidal Silver?

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The main difference between ionic and colloidal silver lies in their composition and behavior. Here are the key differences:

  • Composition: Colloidal silver refers to tiny silver particles suspended in a liquid base, typically water. The particles are larger in size and remain dispersed throughout the liquid due to their electrical charges. Ionic silver, on the other hand, is composed of silver ions, which are individual silver atoms or molecules carrying a positive charge.
  • Particle Size: The particle size in colloidal silver solutions generally ranges from 2 to 500 nanometers. In a proper colloidal silver solution, the particles remain stable and don't settle to the bottom over time.
  • Color and Transparency: Ionic silver solutions are typically clear or transparent since they do not contain solid particles. Colloidal silver may have a slightly gray or yellow tint due to the presence of silver particles.
  • Stability: The silver in colloid formulas is not water-soluble, which means it may become unstable over time. The silver particles in colloidal silver can cluster and drop out of suspension, potentially collecting at the sides or bottom of the bottle.
  • Effects on the Body: When consumed orally, scientists have found ionic silver deposited in a wide range of organs, which can cause adverse effects. Colloidal silver, due to its larger particle size, may not have the same level of absorption in the body.

In summary, colloidal silver is made up of tiny particles of metallic silver dispersed in water, while ionic silver is composed of silver ions carrying a positive charge. The differences in their composition, particle size, color, stability, and effects on the body make them distinct forms of silver suspensions.

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  • What is the Difference Between Ionic and Colloidal Silver?
  • Comparative Table: Ionic vs Colloidal Silver

    • Comparative Table: Ionic vs Colloidal Silver

    Here is a table comparing the differences between ionic and colloidal silver:

    Feature Ionic Silver Colloidal Silver
    Composition Silver ions, individual silver atoms or molecules carrying a positive charge Tiny silver particles suspended in a liquid base, typically water
    Particle Size No solid particles Particles generally within the range of 2 to 500 nanometers
    Electrical Charge Highly reactive and often binds with other molecules present in the liquid Electrical charges keep particles suspended, preventing aggregation
    Color Typically clear or transparent Yellow-to-brown color, depending on concentration and particle size
    Stability Silver ions may dissolve in water and can be deposited in various organs when consumed orally Particles remain stable and don't settle to the bottom over time
    Effectiveness Ionic silver is highly reactive, which can cause adverse effects in the human organism Colloidal silver with larger particles is generally less effective than those with smaller particles

    Please note that the effectiveness of colloidal silver is determined by its particle surface area, which can vary depending on the product. Additionally, the presence of silver ions in a solution can be verified by adding kitchen salt (NaCl), which results in the formation of silver chloride.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.