What is the Difference Between Nickel and Silver?

The main differences between nickel and silver are:

1. Melting Point: The melting point of nickel is around two times higher than the melting point of silver.
2. Appearance: While both nickel and silver have a lustrous metallic appearance, nickel has a slight golden tinge, whereas silver has a cooler, bluish-grey color.
3. Reflectivity: Silver is more reflective than nickel, with sterling silver tending to be the most reflective of all.
4. Chemical Composition: Silver is a chemical element with the atomic number 47 and the symbol Ag, while nickel is a chemical element with the atomic number 28 and the symbol Ni.
5. Allergic Reactions: Nickel can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin, while silver is less likely to cause such reactions.
6. Tarnishing: Both metals can tarnish, but silver tarnishes more easily due to its copper content and requires regular cleaning. Nickel-plated silver may wear down, exposing a darker, dull base metal underneath.
7. Hardness: Nickel is a harder plating material than silver, which is more malleable and easier to polish.

When identifying the difference between nickel and silver, you can check for markings on the metal, such as ".925" for sterling silver, which indicates it is made with 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Additionally, you can compare the reflectivity and color of the metals under strong light, with silver being more reflective and having a cooler, bluish-grey color.

Comparative Table: Nickel vs Silver

Here is a table comparing the differences between nickel and silver:

Nickel and silver are both lustrous metals that look somewhat similar. However, nickel has a slightly golden tinge, unlike silver. The key difference between nickel and silver is their atomic properties and compositions. Nickel is a chemical element with the atomic number 28 and the chemical symbol Ni, while silver has the atomic number 47 and the chemical symbol Ag.

Nickel silver is a range of alloys containing copper, nickel, and zinc, with a silvery appearance but no silver content. Its composition can range from 7 to 30 percent nickel. In contrast, sterling silver is an alloy containing at least 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.

Silver is more resistant to corrosion than nickel due to its unreactive nature. Additionally, silver tarnishes more easily than nickel.