Germanium is a lustrous metalloid and semiconductor valued in infrared optics, fibre communications, and specialised electronics.
Atomic number
32
Category
Metalloid
Period
4
Group
14
State
Solid
Fun facts about Germanium
It was important in early transistor development.
Germanium dioxide helps tailor the refractive index of optical fibres.
Germanium is transparent to parts of the infrared spectrum.
Common uses of Germanium
Fibre-optic systems
Infrared optics
Semiconductor devices
Where Germanium sits in the periodic table
Germanium is classified as a metalloid in period 4 and group 14 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Ge with atomic number 32 and the listed atomic mass 72.630. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.