Precious Metals
Gold and silver are denominated precious metals because their peculiar properties preeminently fit them for becoming standards of value. Even barbarians are cognizant of their superiority over all other metals. They have a brilliant lustre, are hard, and of high specific gravity, not subject to oxidization, fusible, malleable--the two latter properties permitting them to be cast or stamped with designs; and, besides all these superior qualities, they are found pure. See GOLD; SILVER.