Germanium (Ge)
Germanium (Ge)
The existence of germanium was predicted by Mendeleev (who called it ekasilicon). It was discovered in 1886.
In its pure state, this metalloid is grayish-white, crystalline, and brittle. It is found in argyrodite (a sulfide of germanium and silver), germanite, zinc ores, coal, and other minerals.
Germanium is a very important semiconductor and is used as a transistor element in electronic applications. It can be used as a catalyst, an alloying agent, and as a phosphor in fluorescent lamps. The element and its oxide are transparent to infrared light and used in IR spectroscopes and detectors. Germanium has also been used in wide-angle camera lenses and microscope objectives.