Discovery Information
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Who: Clemens Winkler |
When: 1886 |
Where: Germany |
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Name Origin
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Latin: Germania (Germany). |
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Sources
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Obtained from refining copper, zinc and lead. It can be found in argyrodite, coal, germanite, zinc ores as well as other minerals.
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Uses
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Widely used in semiconductors, infrared prisms (for night vision goggles), reflectors in projectors, wide angle lenses and
dentistry.
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Germanium transistors are still used in some effects pedals by musicians who wish to reproduce the distinctive tonal character
of the "fuzz"-tone from the early rock and roll era. Vintage effects pedals known to contain germanium transistors have shown
marked increases in collector value for this reason alone.
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Certain compounds of germanium have low toxicity to mammals, but have toxic effects against certain bacteria. This property
makes these compounds useful as chemotherapeutic agents.
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Notes
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Its occurrence is 0.0007% of the earth's crust. In the elemental form it is a lustrous white, brittle metalloid. When crystalized
it has a diamond cubic structure. It is a poor conductor and is used in electronics in rectifying devices and transistors.
It is also used in dental alloys. There are several compounds which contain germanium. "Germaine" or germanium hydride is
a colorless gas GeH4 prepared by the action of lithium aluminum hydride on germanium halide in an ether solution. Germaine is a hazardous substance UN2192 which is classified as a poisonous gas
(2.3). It is also a flammable gas (2.1). Other compounds include : Germanium dichloride GeCl2, Germanium dioxide GeO2, Germanium tetrachloride GeCl4 this is very irritating to eyes and membranes.
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