Germanium

Germanium was discovered by Clemens Winkler (Germany) in 1886. Germanium is a grey-white metalloid. It does not react with air, water, bases or most acids (except nitric acid).

Germanium is obtained from refining copper, zinc and lead. Germanium is often used in semiconductors. Alloys with small quantities of phosphorus, arsenic, gallium and antimony are good semiconductors.