What is Germanium?

Germanium is the 3rd element in the 14th column of the periodic table. It is classified as a metalloid. Its properties are similar to those of other metalloids located nearby on the periodic table, namely silicon and arsenic. The germanium atom has 32 electrons and 32 protons with 4 valence electrons in the outermost shell.

Characteristics and Properties

Under normal conditions, germanium is a hard, shiny, silver-gray solid that is very brittle. It is one of the few elements that expands when it freezes or becomes solid.

As a metalloid, germanium has both metallic and non-metallic properties. It is also a semiconductor, which means it has an electrical conductivity that lies between an insulator and a conductor. This feature has led to its use in electronics.

Germanium does not react with oxygen at room temperature, but forms germanium dioxide at higher temperatures.

Highlights of Germanium:

Symbol	Ge
Atomic Number	32
Atomic Weight	72.64
Classification	Metalloid
Phase at Room Temperature	Solid
Density	5.323 grams per cm cubed
Melting Point	938°C, 1720°F
Boiling Point	2833°C, 5131°F
Discovered by	Clemens Winkler in 1886

Where is Germanium found on Earth?

Germanium is a fairly rare element found in the earth’s crust. Although some minerals contain large amounts of germanium, such as germanite and argyrodite, they are too rare to mine. Much of the germanium used in industry is produced as a by-product of the mining of zinc sphalerite ore, where it is found in trace amounts.

How is Germanium used today?

Most germanium is used in optical systems. Indeed, Germania (GeO2) has good qualities for working with light and lasers. Applications such as cameras, optical fibers, and microscopes take advantage of these qualities. It is also used in infrared optics.

Other uses include electronics (where it is combined with silicon to make silicon germanium (SiGe), solar cells, and some metal alloys.

How was Germanium discovered?

Germanium was first predicted by the Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869 based on the periodic table. However, it was the German chemist Clemens Winkler who isolated the element and proved its existence in 1886. Winkler found the element in the mineral argyrodite.

Where did Germanium get its name?

Germanium takes its name from Germany, Winkler’s hometown.

Isotopes

There are five natural isotopes of germanium. The most common is germanium-74.

Interesting Facts about Germanium

Scientists are studying germanium for use in chemotherapy to help treat cancer.

Dmitri Mendeleev first named the element “ekasilicon”, but it was later renamed by Winkler.

Some compounds including germanium are useful in killing bacteria without harming the animals.

It is used as a catalyst for the production of some plastics.

Much of the germanium mined is produced by China. A good part also comes from recycling.