As a subject matter expert in the field of geology and mineralogy, I can provide an informed perspective on the rarity of silver.

Silver is often perceived as a precious metal due to its value and use in various industries, including electronics, photography, and jewelry. However, in terms of abundance within the Earth's crust, silver is not considered to be particularly rare. It is estimated to be the 11th most abundant element in the Earth's crust, with about 0.07 parts per million (ppm) by weight.

While it is more abundant than gold, which has an estimated abundance of 0.004 ppm, silver is still relatively difficult to extract in large quantities because it is typically found in low concentrations in ores. The process of mining and refining silver can be costly and complex, which contributes to its perceived value.

Moreover, the demand for silver in industrial applications has increased over the years, which can sometimes make it seem scarcer than it actually is. However, new technologies and recycling efforts are helping to meet some of this demand without depleting the available supply.

In summary, while silver is not exceptionally rare in the grand scheme of the Earth's crust, its economic value, coupled with the challenges associated with its extraction and the increasing demand for it, can make it seem like a rare commodity.

read more >>

Most studies agree gold is overall the more rare of the two metals; however, above ground silver is actually more rare than gold. Estimates report gold is 5-7x more abundant above ground than silver. ... To date, over 1.5 million tonnes of silver have been mined.read more >>