Antimony

Antimony is a chemical element with the symbol Sb. A lustrous gray metalloid, it is found in nature mainly as the sulphide mineral stibnite (Sb2S3). Antimony compounds have been known since ancient times and were powdered for use as medicine and cosmetics, often known by the Arabic name, kohl.

Antimony 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 and many of its compounds are toxic.

Antimony is not an abundant element but is found in small quantities in over 100 mineral species. It is most often found as antimony (III) sulphide. China produces 88% of the world’s antimony. Other producers are Bolivia, Russia and Tajikistan.