Antimony

Antimony

Antimony is a silvery-gray, brittle metalloid commonly found in nature as the mineral stibnite (antimony sulfide, Sb₂S₃). This element has been utilized since ancient times, valued for its diverse properties and various applications. Antimony is represented by the symbol Sb on the periodic table, with an atomic number of 51, and its symbol comes from the Latin word stibium.

Beyond its use in batteries, antimony plays a critical role in the production of flame-retardant materials. Compounds like antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) are commonly used as flame retardants in textiles, plastics, and coatings, helping to decrease the flammability of these materials. Antimony is also important in the manufacturing of semiconductors, ceramics, glass, and as a catalyst in various chemical processes.