Antimony is a chemical element with the symbol Sb (from Latin: stibium) and atomic number 51. It is a lustrous gray metalloid, found in nature mainly as the sulfide mineral stibnite (Sb₂S₃).
Properties
- Physical Characteristics: Antimony is a brittle, silvery, shiny metalloid.
- Chemical Characteristics: It can be found in different oxidation states, commonly +3 and +5, and forms various compounds.
- Occurrence: Naturally occurs as the mineral stibnite (Sb₂S₃) and in small quantities in ores of copper, lead, and silver.
Uses and Applications
- Alloys: Antimony is used to harden and strengthen other metals. It is commonly alloyed with lead to improve the hardness and strength of products like batteries, bullets, and cable sheathing.
- Flame Retardants: Antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) is a crucial component in flame-retardant formulations for textiles, plastics, and electronics, helping prevent the spread of fires.
- Electronics: Used in the semiconductor industry to make diodes, infrared detectors, and Hall-effect devices.
- Medicine: Certain antimony compounds are used in medications to treat parasitic infections, such as leishmaniasis.
- Glass and Ceramics: Antimony compounds are used to decolorize glass and as an opacifier in ceramics and enamels.
- Pigments: Antimony is used in the production of yellow pigments.
Importance
- Industrial Applications: The hardness and flame-retardant properties of antimony compounds make them indispensable in various industries.
- Economic Value: Antimony is considered a critical mineral due to its essential role in manufacturing and its limited availability. Its supply is concentrated in a few countries, making it strategically important.
China has consistently maintained a prominent role in the production of antimony, representing around 88% of the total global production. Conversely, China is currently witnessing a decrease in domestic mining output. However, it continues to exert significant control over the processing of concentrates, a substantial portion of which originates from artisanal sources in developing nations. Due to its dominant position, antimony is considered crucial in all major rankings (US, EU, Canada, JOGMEC, UK, and Australia) assessing the criticality of metal supply.
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