Antimony

Antimony Latest News

Pakistan reportedly discovered a massive cache of antimony in the conflict-torn region of Balochistan.

About Antimony

• Antimony is a chemical element with the symbol Sb and atomic number 51. 
• Classified as a metalloid, Antimony is a solid at room temperature.
• It exhibits poor electrical and heat conductivity properties.
• Commercial forms of antimony are generally ingots, broken pieces, granular, or cast cake.
• Antimony ores occur both in deposits associated with volcanic rocks and also in more deep-seated veins formed under moderate to high temperatures and pressure. 
• The chief ore of antimony is stibnite. It is more commonly obtained as a byproduct in lead-zinc-silver mines. 
• Producers: 
  • China produces 88% of the world’s antimony. 
  • Other producers are Bolivia, Russia, and Tajikistan.

Antimony Uses

• It is used in the electronics industry to make some semiconductor devices, such as infrared detectors and diodes.
• It is alloyed with lead or other metals to improve their hardness and strength. 
• A lead-antimony alloy is used in batteries.
• Other uses of antimony alloys include type metal (in printing presses), bullets, and cable sheathing.
• Antimony compounds are used to make flame-retardant materials, paints, enamels, glass, and pottery.

Antimony FAQs

Q1. Is antimony radioactive?

Ans. No, antimony is not radioactive in its natural form.

Q2. What is the chemical symbol for antimony?

Ans. Sb

Q3. What is the chief ore of antimony?

Ans. The chief ore of antimony is stibnite, which is chemically known as antimony trisulfide.

Source: IND