Wikijunior:The Elements/Antimony
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[edit] What does it look, feel, taste or smell like?
Antimony is a brittle, bluish silver-white metal.
[edit] How was it discovered?
While Antimony was known to the ancients. During the early 1700s, French chemist Nicolas Lemery was the first person to perform a scientific study of antimony and its compounts. His findings were published in 1707.
[edit] Where did its name come from?
The name "antimony" comes the combination of two Greek words: anti (meaning against) and monos (meaning solitude). When combined, the two words mean "not alone".
Did You Know?
- Antimony, in the form of stibnite, was used by the Egyptians as black eyeshadow.
- Another interesting fact.
- Yet another interesting fact.
[edit] Where is it found?
Antimony can be found free in nature, it is usually derived from the ores stibnite (Sb2S3) and valentinite (Sb2O3). A small amount of the earth's crust, 0.000002%, is made up of Antimony.
[edit] What are its uses?
Antimony is used for hardening lead. Semiconductor devices, like diodes and infared detectors, are made from very pure antimony. In addition, antimony is used in the production of plastics and chemicals. Alloys of antimony are used to make products such as: batteries, low-friction metals, type metal and cable sheathing. Compounds of antimony are used to make flame-proofing materials, paints, ceramic materials, glass and pottery.
[edit] Is it dangerous?
Antimony is extremely dangerous. It was once used to kill parasites and is deadly in many of its compounds.
