Germanium is a chemical element whose symbol is Ge and which has the atomic number 32 on the periodic table. It is a semiconductor metal that is in the silicon family. Germanium is a shiny silver-grey metal that breaks into fine flakes.

Germanium is an unstable metallic element that dissolves in basic solutions and forms oxides. It is quite reactive but not enough to decompose spontaneously. It is very strong and its melting point is around 937°C. It is generally soluble in mineral leaches but not in acid solutions.

Germanium is a semiconductor that is known for its great ability to transmit electronic signals. It is used to make transistors and diodes which are an important part of electronic circuits. It is the main component of alloys specially designed for use on junctions which are interfaces between different electronic systems.

Germanium is used in the optical industry for applications such as the manufacture of lenses and mirrors. It is also used for the manufacture of optical fibers and optical instruments. It is used in the manufacture of electronic components and circuits, including semiconductor light-emitting diodes and transistors.

937.4°
2830°

72.63

-4
1
2
3
4

[Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2

2
8
18
4

2.01

7.8994

Synthetic

Radioactive

Liquid

Gaseous

Electronic configuration diagram

Characteristics

Name	Germanium
Number	32
Atomic	72.63
Symbol	Ge
Fusion	937.4
Boiling	2830
Density	5.323
Period	4
Group	14

Discovery	1886 Winkler
Abundance	1.5
Radius	1.5
Electronegativity	2.01
Ionization	7.8994
Number of isotopes	17
Electronic configuration	[Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2
Oxidation states	-4,1,2,3,4
Electron by energy level	2,8,18,4

Minerals containing this element : 33

Mineral	Hardness	Density
Alburnite	4.00 / 4.00	7.83
Argutite	6.00 / 7.00
Argyrodite	2.50 / 2.50	6.10
Barquillite	4.00 / 4.50	4.53
Bartelkeite	4.00 / 4.00	4.97
Briartite	3.50 / 4.00	4.50
Brunogeierite	4.50 / 4.50	5.51
Cadmoindite
Calvertite	4.00 / 5.00	5.24
Carboirite	6.00 / 6.00	3.00
Carraraite
Catamarcaite	3.50 / 3.50	4.89
Colusite	3.00 / 4.00	4.20
Eyselite		3.64
Fleischerite	2.50 / 3.00	4.20
Galloplumbogummite		4.62
Germanite	3.00 / 3.00	4.40
Germanocolusite	4.50 / 5.00	4.00
Itoite		6.67
Krieselite	5.50 / 6.50	4.07
Maikainite	4.00 / 4.00	4.45
Mathewrogersite	2.00 / 2.00	4.70
Morozeviczite	3.50 / 3.50	6.62
Nuwaite
Otjisumeite	3.00 / 3.00	5.00
Ovamboite	3.50 / 3.50	4.74
Polkovicite	3.50 / 3.50	6.62
Putzite	3.00 / 3.50	5.79
Renierite	4.00 / 5.00	4.38
Schaurteite	2.50 / 2.50	2.65
Stottite	4.50 / 4.50	3.60
Tsumgallite	1.50 / 2.50	5.08
Zincobriartite