![]() Antimony is an important metal in the world economy. ![]() But it also enters the environment through several applications by humans. The ancient Egyptians used antimony, in the form of stibnite, for black eye make-up.Īntimony occurs naturally in the environment. Antimony compounds are used to make flame-proofing materials, paints, ceramic enamels, glass and pottery. Antimony alloys are also used in batteries, low friction metals, type metal and cable sheathing, among other products. Antimony is alloyed with lead to increase lead's durability. Very pure antimony is used to make certain types of semiconductor devices, such as diodes and infrared detectors. Antimony makes up about 0.00002% of the earth's crust. Nicolas Lémery, a French chemist, was the first person to scientifically study antimony and its compounds. It is sometimes found free in nature, but is usually obtained from the ores stibnite (Sb 2S 3) and valentinite (Sb 2O 3). ![]() Antimony and some of its alloys expand on cooling.Īntimony has been known since ancient times. Antimony is a poor conductor of heat and electricity, it is stable in dry air and is not attacked by dilute acids or alkalis.
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