Antimony
AN-teh-MOH-ni
Antimony (Sb) is a hard brittle silver-white semi metal that has the atomic number 51 in the periodic table. It is located in Group 15 of the periodic table. It has the symbol Sb.
Antimony has been in use by humans for years. Its mineral Stibnite was used by the Egyptians in cosmetics as black eyeliner. In the 1500s metallurgist Vannoccio Biringuccio wrote his paper “Concerning Antimony and Its Ore” focusing on Antinomy Sulfide. It was clear from this work that Antimony was isolated but metallurgists at the time did not appreciate their discoveries. Antimony despite being a metal has a low thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity and is brittle and crystalline. It is often used in the production of Lead alloys to make harder alloys. It is located in Group 15 as a metal. It has a melting point of 630°c and a boiling point of 1587°c.
FAQ's
Known to the ancients.
3000 BC
Uses
It is alloyed with other metals to increase their hardness. Also in the manufacture of a few special types of semiconductor devices. Also in plastics and chemicals. A few kinds of over-the-counter cold and flu remedies use antimony compounds.
Sources
Found in stibnite (Sb2S3) and in valentinite (Sb2O3).
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Sb
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