Antimony
For ceramic glazes.
| Atomic Number: |
51 |
| Atomic Symbol: |
Sb |
| Atomic Weight: |
121.75 |
| Electron Configuration: |
[Kr]5s24d105p3 |
History
(Gr. anti plus monos - a metal not found alone) Antimony was recognized in compounds by
the ancients and was known as a metal at the beginning of the 17th century and possibly
much earlier.
Sources
It is not abundant, but is found in over 100 mineral species. It is sometimes found
native, but more frequently as the sulfide stibnite.
Properties
It is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Antimony and many of its compounds are
toxic.
Uses
Antimony is finding use in semiconductor technology for making infrared detectors,
diodes and Hall-effect devices. It greatly increases the hardness and mechanical strength
of lead. Betteries, antifriction alloys, type metal, small arms and tracer bullets, cable
sheathing, and minor products use about half the metal produced. Compounds taking up the
other half are oxides, sulfides, sodium antimonate, and antimony trichloride. These are
used in manufacturing flame-proofing compounds, paints ceramic enamels, glass, and
pottery.
Sources: CRC Handbook of Chemistry
and Physics and the American Chemical Society.
Last Updated: 12/19/97, CST Information Services Team
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