Silver perchlorate Silver perchlorate Silver perchlorate is the chemical compound with the formula AgClO. This white solid forms a monohydrate and is mildly deliquescent. It is a useful source of the Ag ion, although the presence of perchlorate presents risks. It is used as a catalyst in organic chemistry. Silver perchlorate is created by heating a mixture of perchloric acid with silver nitrate. Alternatively, it can be prepared by the reaction between barium perchlorate and silver sulfate, or from the reaction of perchloric acid with silver oxide. Silver perchlorate is noteworthy for its solubility in aromatic solvents such as benzene (52.8 g/L)
Silver mining The first major silver ore deposits in the United States were discovered at the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, Nevada, in 1859. Silver is commonly extracted from ore by smelting or chemical leaching. Ore treatment by mercury amalgamation, such as in the patio process or pan amalgamation was widely used through the 1800s, but is seldom used today. Silver is also produced during the electrolytic refining of copper and by application of the Parkes process on lead metal obtained from lead ores that contain small amounts of silver. Commercial grade fine silver is at least 99.9 percent pure silver and