Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Germanium Element Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Germanium is classified as a "Metalloid" element and is located in Groups 13, 14,15, 16 and 17 of the Periodic Table. An element classified as one of the Metalloids has the properties of both metals and Non-Metals. Some are semi-conductors and can carry an electrical charge making them useful in calculators and computers. Facts about the Discovery and History of the Germanium Element Germanium was discovered by Clemens Winkler in Germany in 1886. Mendeleev called it "ekasilicon" History of the Periodic Table Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table. Occurrence of the Germanium Element Found in argyrodite (sulfide of germanium and silver), coal; germanite and Zinc ores Abundances of the element in different environments % in Universe 0.00002% % in Sun 0.00002% % in Meteorites 0.0021% % in Earth's Crust 0.00014% % in Oceans 6×10-9% % in Humans N/A Associated Uses of Germanium Electric guitar amplifiers Semi-conductor An alloying agent Infra-red spectroscopes and optical equipment Camera and microscope lenses Medical |