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germanium [Ge]
From the Latin Germania, Germany. Mendeleyev used is periodic table to predict the existence of a silicon-like element in 1871. 15 years later (1886), the German chemist Clemens Winkler discovered germanium.
Occurrence:
1) rare
2) found in coal, argyrodite
Characteristics:
1) a grayish white brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon
2) a semiconductor
3) poor conductivity
Uses:
1) used as a semiconductor
-> doped germanium materials are used to make transistors for miniature electronics
2) herbal preparations/remedies*
* Avoid germanium containing herbal preparations, as use has been associated with renal failure.
Laboratory:
- germanium in hair
- germanium in erythrocytes
- germanium in blood
- germanium in serum/plasma
- germanium in urine
Related
periodic table
General
chemical element
metal
Properties
SIZE: AW = 72.59
atomic number
VALUE: 32
VALENCE: AR 3D10 4S2 4P2
References
- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam-
Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
- Chemical & Engineering News, Sept 8, 2003