Germanium (Ge) is a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. Its properties place it in between metals and non-metals in the periodic table. 1
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Key Takeaways: Is Germanium a Metal, Nonmetal or Metalloid?
- Germanium is a metalloid with properties of both metals and nonmetals.
- Germanium’s classification as a metalloid is due to its intermediate properties and position in the periodic table.
- Germanium differs from other metalloids in its chemical and physical properties, applications, and occurrence in the earth’s crust.
Why is germanium a metalloid?
Germanium is classified as a metalloid because it has properties of both metals and nonmetals.
Like metals, germanium has a metallic luster. 2 However, it also has some properties of nonmetals, such as its brittle nature and its tendency to form covalent bonds rather than ionic bonds. 3
Metalloids generally have intermediate or mixed properties between those of metals and nonmetals, and germanium fits this description.
Its position in the periodic table, between the metals and nonmetals, also supports its classification as a metalloid.
Properties of germanium that classify it as a metalloid
Here are some of the properties of germanium that classify it as a metalloid.
- Electrical conductivity: Germanium is a semiconductor material, which means that it has an intermediate electrical conductivity between that of a metal and an insulator. 4
- Brittle nature: Germanium is a brittle material, which means that it is prone to breaking under stress. 5 This is a characteristic that is more commonly associated with nonmetals.
- Covalent bonding: Germanium tends to form covalent bonds with other atoms, rather than ionic bonds, which is a property more commonly associated with nonmetals.
- Metallic luster: Germanium has a shiny appearance that is similar to that of metals, which is why it was originally classified as a metal. 6
How is germanium different from other metalloids?
Germanium differs from other metalloids in several ways:
- Chemical properties: Germanium has unique chemical properties that set it apart from other metalloids. For example, it has a higher tendency to form covalent bonds than other metalloids such as silicon and boron.
- Physical properties: Germanium has physical properties that are distinct from other metalloids. For example, it has a higher density and a lower melting point than silicon. 7
- Applications: Germanium has applications that are different from those of other metalloids. For example, it is used as a semiconductor in electronics, whereas other metalloids such as arsenic and antimony are used in the production of batteries and alloys. 8 9
- Occurrence: Germanium is less abundant in the earth’s crust compared to other metalloids such as silicon and boron. It is typically found as a trace element in certain ores, such as zinc ores. 10
Overall, while germanium shares some similarities with other metalloids, it also has unique properties and uses that make it distinct from other members of the group.
Further reading
Is Nitrogen Flammable?
Why is Nitrogen Diatomic?
Why is Fluorine Diatomic?
Why is Bromine Diatomic?
Why is Oxygen Diatomic?
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References
- Germanium. (n.d.). Germanium. https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/g/Germanium.htm
- Germanium Statistics and Information | U.S. Geological Survey. (n.d.). Germanium Statistics and Information | U.S. Geological Survey. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/germanium-statistics-and-information
- Becker, R. (1993). 5.2. Germanium. Methods in Experimental Physics, 225–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0076-695x(08)60011-3
- GSU.edu http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Solids/sili.html
- Serbena, F., & Roberts, S. (1994, July). The brittle-to-ductile transition in germanium. Acta Metallurgica Et Materialia, 42(7), 2505–2510. https://doi.org/10.1016/0956-7151(94)90331-x
- Germanium – Element information, properties and uses | Periodic Table. (n.d.). Germanium – Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/32/germanium
- Boudreaux, K. A. (n.d.). The Parts of the Periodic Table. The Parts of the Periodic Table. https://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/periodic/physical_states.htm
- Spiers, D. (2012). Batteries in PV Systems. Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics, 721–776. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-385934-1.00022-2
- Smol’kova, V. S., Yanchenko, V. S., Selitskii, I. A., & Dasoyan, M. A. (1969, January 1). Effect that arsenic in the grid alloy has on the operation of lead-acid accumulators (Journal Article) | ETDEWEB. Effect That Arsenic in the Grid Alloy Has on the Operation of Lead-acid Accumulators (Journal Article) | ETDEWEB. https://www.osti.gov/etdeweb/biblio/6920209
- Thomas, D. W., Mahmood, T., & Lindhal, C. B. (2011, July 15). Germanium and Germanium Compounds. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. https://doi.org/10.1002/0471238961.0705181301040113.a01.pub4
