Antimony
| Atomic Number: | 51 |
| Symbol: | Sb |
| Atomic weight: | 121.75 |
| Discovery: | Antimony compounds have been known since ancient time. The metal has been known since at least the 17th century. |
| Electron Configuration: | [Kr]5s24d105p3 |
| Word Origin: | Greek anti plus monos, meaning a metal not found alone. |
| Properties: | The melting point of antimony is 630.74°C, boiling point is 1950°C, specific gravity is 6.691 (at 20°C), with a valence of 0, -3, +3, or +5. Two allotropic forms of antimony exist: the usual stable metallic form and the amorphous gray form. Metallic antimony is extremely brittle. It is a bluish white metal with a flaky crystalline texture and metallic luster. It is not oxidized by air at room temperature. However, it will burn brilliantly when heated, releasing white Sb2O3 fumes. It is a poor heat or electrical conductor. Antimony metal has a hardness of 3 to 3.5. |
| Uses: | Antimony is widely used in alloying to increase hardness and mechanical strength. Antimony is used in the semiconductor industry for infrared detectors, Hall-effect devices, and diodes. The metal and its compounds also used in batteries, bullets, cable sheathing, flame-proofing compounds, glass, ceramics, paints, and pottery. Tartar emetic has been used in medicine. Antimony and many of its compounds are toxic. |
| Sources: | Antimony is found in over 100 minerals. Sometimes it occurs in native form, but it is more common as the sulfide stibnite (Sb2S3) and as the antimonides of heavy metals and as oxides. |
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