ResourcesMaterialsThe Differences and Uses of Common Metalloids

The Differences and Uses of Common Metalloids

Written by

Dean McClements

Updated by

Joel Schadegg

3 min read

Published August 8, 2022

Updated August 30, 2024

Learn about seven of the commonly identified metalloids, their properties, and uses.

Cobalt stone. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/RHJPhtotos

Metalloids are a unique and versatile class of elements. Also known as “semimetals,” metalloids are typically found in a zigzag line on the periodic table, sandwiched between metals and nonmetals. Although they have a metallic appearance, metalloid elements can exhibit properties that are like those of metals or nonmetals. The degree to which metalloids exhibit metallic or non-metallic characteristics depends on the element.

This article will discuss the seven metalloid elements, their attributes, and their uses.

1. Boron (B)

Boron has atomic number 5. It finds uses in many different chemical compounds. Table 1 below shows the attributes and uses of boron:

Table 1: Boron Properties and Applications

Properties	Uses
Properties - Pure crystalline Boron has a black, lustrous color and is extremely hard. - Boric acid and borates are safe for animals and toxic to arthropods, but essential for plant growth.	Uses - Used as an additive to harden steels and glass. - Boron-based compounds are used as insecticides and fertilizers.

2. Arsenic (As)

Arsenic has atomic number 33. It poses a serious risk to human health due to its interference with cellular respiration (the process by which cells produce the energy they need). Table 2 below shows some properties and uses of arsenic:

Table 2: Arsenic Properties and Applications

Properties	Uses
Properties - Has the ability to form up to 3 covalent bonds, allowing it to easily bond with many metals. - Highly toxic to animals and plants when formed into an arsine or other organic derivatives, but inert in its elemental form.	Uses - Can be used as an additive to harden lead and other metal alloys. - Used in some herbicides and insecticides and as a wood preservative.

3. Silicon (Si)

Silicon has atomic number 14. It is a highly versatile metalloid used in a variety of applications - most frequently in semiconductors and construction. Table 3 below shows some properties and uses of silicon:

Table 3: Silicon Properties and Applications

Properties	Uses
Properties - Pure silicon is highly reactive in nature and its derivatives are often found in sands, rocks, and soils. - Has poor electrical conductivity that becomes more efficient at higher temperatures.	Uses - Commonly used in semiconductors. - Used in the manufacturing of alloys, glass, enamels, and other ceramics.

4. Antimony (Sb)

Antimony has an atomic number of 51. It is commonly used in alloys and paints. Table 4 below shows some properties and uses of antimony:

Table 4: Antimony Properties and Applications

Properties	Uses
Properties - Has a silvery-white, metallic appearance. - Hard and brittle . - Highly purified antimony has a poor electrical conductivity that improves with increased temperatures.	Uses - Used in semiconductors as a dopant. - Used in the manufacture of alloys, glass, enamels, and other ceramics.

5. Polonium (Po)

Polonium has atomic number 84, is exceptionally radioactive, and is highly rare in the Earth’s crust. Table 5 below shows some properties and uses of polonium:

Table 5: Polonium Properties and Applications

Properties	Uses
Properties - Is highly radioactive and emits alpha-particles.	Uses - Used to remove static electricity in machinery or dust from the photographic film. - Used as a lightweight heat source for thermoelectric power in space satellites.

6. Tellurium (Te)

Tellurium has atomic number 52 and is commonly used as an alloying element. Table 6 below shows some properties and uses of tellurium:

Table 6: Tellurium Properties and Applications

Properties	Uses
Properties - Is highly rare and can be found in mined ores. - Is crystalline and brittle. - Remains stable in water but dissolves in nitric acid.	Uses - Is often used as an additive to improve strength and corrosion resistance in certain alloys.

7. Germanium (Ge)

Germanium has atomic number 32 and is commonly used as a semiconductor in transistors. Table 7 below shows some properties and uses of germanium:

Table 7: Germanium Properties and Applications

Properties	Uses
Properties - Is hard and brittle with a metallic appearance. - Has poor electrical conductivity that becomes more efficient at higher temperatures.	Uses - Is used as an additive to improve corrosion resistance in certain alloys. - Is often used in semiconductors and infrared detectors.

Where To Find Metalloid Elements on the Periodic Table

The metalloid elements are found along the “zigzag,” or “staircase” of elements lying between the metals and the nonmetals on the periodic table. They are concentrated in the upper-right portion of the table. Figure 1 illustrates where the metalloids (colored in light orange) are found on the periodic table:

Periodic table of elements with metalloids shown in light orange.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Panggabean

How Xometry Can Help

This article reviewed a summary of the key properties and uses of 7 common metalloid elements.

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