Semimetals on Superphysics

Metalloids or Semimetals

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

These:

are located in a zigzag pattern along the border between metals and nonmetals
exhibit properties that are intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals
are often semiconductors, meaning their ability to conduct electricity can be controlled

Examples include silicon, germanium, and boron

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

5 Atomic Number

Atomic Weight 10.81

Melting Point 2076°C

Boiling Point 3927°C

Element & Symbol	Atomic Number	Major Use(s)
Boron (B)	5	Hard, black/brown metalloid (often classified as a nonmetal); high melting point.	Borosilicate glass (Pyrex), detergents, semiconductors, neutron absorber.

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14 Atomic Number

Element & Symbol	Atomic Number	Major Use(s)
Silicon (Si)	14	Computer chips, solar cells, glass, cement, silicones (sealants).

Shiny, brittle metalloid; semiconductor; second most abundant in Earth’s crust.

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32 Atomic Number

Element & Symbol	Atomic Number	Major Use(s)
Germanium (Ge)	32	Lustrous, brittle metalloid; semiconductor.	Fiber-optic cables, infrared optics, transistors (historically).

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33 Atomic Number

Element & Symbol	Atomic Number	Major Use(s)
Arsenic (As)	33	Metallic-gray, brittle metalloid; toxic to multicellular life.	Semiconductor dopant, wood preservatives (declining), lead alloys.

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51 Atomic Number

Atomic Weight 121.76

Melting Point 630.63°C

Boiling Point 1587°C

Element & Symbol	Atomic Number	Major Use(s)
Antimony (Sb)	51	Flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, microelectronics, pewter.

Antimony is a silvery, lustrous, gray metalloid; used primarily in flame retardants.

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52 Atomic Number

Atomic Weight 127.60

Melting Point 449.51°C

Boiling Point 988°C

Element & Symbol	Atomic Number	Major Use(s)
Tellurium (Te)	52	Silvery-white, brittle metalloid with a metallic luster.	Solar panels, steel/copper alloys to improve machinability, thermoelectrics.