Description
A lustrous, brittle, grey metal which is chemically similar to silicon and tin. First discovered in 1886.
Germanium is mainly formed during the production of zinc but also recovered commercially from silver, lead and copper ores.
It is one of the few substances that expands as it solidifies from the molten state. It has the same cubic crystal structure as diamond.
Germanium is a semiconductor and is one of the purest metals on Earth.
Forms Supplied
Pure metal:
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99.9999% (6N) high purity
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99.99999% (7N) ultra high purity
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99.99999999999% (13N) ultra high purity
Compounds
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Germanium (IV) oxide (GeO2)
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Germanium (IV) chloride (GeCl4)
Typical Applications
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Manufacture of optical fibres.
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Infrared optics.
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As a catalyst in the synthesis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles and containers. These products are 100% recyclable.
