Antimony
For ceramic glazes.
Atomic Number: 51
Atomic Symbol: Sb
Atomic Weight: 121.75
Electron Configuration:[Kr]5s^2 4d^10 5p^3History
(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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