There are thirty-five radioactive isotopes of antimony, and among them the most stable isotope is antimony-125 that has a half life of 2.75 years. These isotopes have almost same natural abundance, 57.36% (Sb-121) and 42.64% (Sb-123). It has two stable isotopes, antimony-121 and antimony-123. In powdered form, antimony is explosive and can lead to spontaneous ignition when exposed to air. A dose of 50mg/m 3 of antimony is fatal for humans. Prolonged dermal exposure to antimony dust can lead to damage and infection of the skin. For instance, antimony trioxide in powdered form can lead to irritation of nose and throat when inhaled and can cause cancer. However, some compounds of antimony are toxic and are considered carcinogens. Antimony compounds are used in some drugs and veterinary medications.Īntimony in its pure or elemental form is non-toxic.
It is used as a fining agent to remove bubbles from glass, especially in TV and laptop screens.Antimony is used as a catalyst in industrial processes.Antimony is used to make lead shot, bullets, electrical cables, and solders.For instance, it is used in alloying of lead that is used in acid batteries to improve charging features. Antimony is used to make useful alloys to increase mechanical strength and hardness.
It is a soft element and cannot be used to make hard objects, including coins. Physical CharacteristicsĪntimony is a shiny grey metalloid. Other countries that have reservoirs of antimony include Tajikistan, Russia, South Africa and Bolivia. In early days, China was the biggest producer of antimony, which supply around 84% of the world share. Antimony is found in more than 100 types of minerals. In nature, it is present in the form of mineral, such as stibnite, which is its sulfide mineral (Sb 2S 3). Antimony Periodic Table ClassificationĪntimony is not very abundant element. Its symbol is Sb, which was given by Jakob Berzelius as an abbreviation for stibium. The earliest description of this element was presented by Vannoccio Biringuccio in 1540. And was given the name antimoine in French which mean “monk-killer” as in early days the alchemists were monks, and antimony was poisonous. It was named antimonium in late Greek language. It was used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes in its powdered form. Antimony compounds have been known since ancient times and were powdered for use as medicine and cosmetics, often known by the Arabic name, kohl History and DiscoveryĪntimony has been known since ancient times. A lustrous gray metalloid, it is found in nature mainly as the sulfide mineral stibnite. Antimony is a chemical element with symbol Sb and atomic number 51.