Comparison · Native Elements vs Metals & Alloys
Silver vs Sterling Silver
Silver and Sterling Silver are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 2.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Silver and Sterling Silver
- Both sit near Mohs 2.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Silver leaves a silver white streak on unglazed porcelain, Sterling Silver leaves silver-white.
- Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
- They overlap in white and gray, but Sterling Silver also comes in black.
Silver vs Sterling Silver properties
| Property | Silver | Sterling Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Native Elements | Metals & Alloys |
| Mohs hardness | 2.75 | 2.7 |
| Luster | metallic | metallic |
| Streak | Silver white | Silver-white |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 10.5 | 10.3 |
| Crystal system | cubic | varies |
| Common colors | Silver white, Gray | Silver, White silver, Gray tarnish, Black tarnish |
| Rarity | rare | common |
| Typical specimen value | $20–$3000+ | $5–$1000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Silver is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $300 against $75 for Sterling Silver, and premium Silver can reach $3000 or more.
About Silver
Silver is a native metallic element with a bright silver-white color, high density, and excellent malleability. In specimens it appears as wires, dendrites, leaves, and crystalline masses, though exposed surfaces usually tarnish to dark gray.
About Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a silver alloy containing 92.5% silver, commonly used in rings, bracelets, necklaces, flatware, charms, and jewelry findings.
Silver vs Sterling Silver FAQ
Is Silver the same as Sterling Silver?
No. Silver is a native element while Sterling Silver is a metals & alloy. Both sit near Mohs 2.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Silver from Sterling Silver?
Both sit near Mohs 2.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Silver leaves a silver white streak on unglazed porcelain, Sterling Silver leaves silver-white. Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
Which is harder, Silver or Sterling Silver?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 2.75.
Which is more valuable, Silver or Sterling Silver?
Silver is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $300 against $75 for Sterling Silver, and premium Silver can reach $3000 or more.
