Overview
Germanium is a lustrous, gray metalloid with semiconductor properties historically important in transistors and modern infrared optics.
Properties
It has semiconducting band structure, forms stable oxides and is chemically similar to silicon in many respects.
Occurrence and Uses
Found in trace amounts in ores, germanium is used in fiber optics, infrared detectors, solar cells and semiconductor applications.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes include Ge 70 to Ge 76; germanium compounds are of low toxicity but fine dusts require handling controls.