Name: germanium
Symbol: Ge
Atomic number: 32
Atomic weight: 72.61 (2)
Group in periodic table: 14
Group name:
Period in periodic table: 4
Block in periodic table: p-block
CAS registry ID: 7440-56-4
The element is a gray-white metalloid, and in its pure state is crystalline and brittle, retaining its lustre in air at room temperature. It is a very important semiconductor material. Zone-refining techniques have led to production of crystalline germanium for semiconductor use with an impurity of only one part in 10-10.
Certain germanium compounds have a low mammalian toxicity, but a clear activity against certain bacteria, which makes them of interest as chemotherapeutic agents.