germanium [Ge]

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Introduction

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

  • rare
  • found in coal, argyrodite

Characteristics

Uses

  • used as a semiconductor
    • doped germanium materials are used to make transistors for miniature electronics
  • herbal preparations/remedies*

* Avoid germanium containing herbal preparations, as use has been associated with renal failure.

Laboratory

More general terms

Additional terms

References

  1. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam- Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
  2. Chemical & Engineering News, Sept 8, 2003