germanium

Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is a member of the carbon group in the periodic table, and it is a metalloid.

Germanium is a silvery-grey metal that is chemically similar to silicon. It is a semiconductor, which means that it can conduct electricity under certain conditions.

Germanium is found in small amounts in the Earth's crust, and it is mined in a few countries, including China, Brazil, and the United States.

Germanium is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Semiconductors: Germanium is used in the manufacture of transistors, diodes, and other electronic devices.
• Optical devices: Germanium is used in the manufacture of lenses, windows, and other optical devices.
• Chemicals: Germanium is used in the manufacture of chemicals, such as germanium tetrachloride and germanium dioxide.

Germanium lenses are used in infrared detectors and night vision devices.