Beyond Atomic Numbers - Every Element Has a Story
121.76
15
5
P Block
Metalloid
Antimony has been known since ancient times. It was used in cosmetics, medicines and metal alloys by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans thousands of years ago.
Antimony is mainly obtained from the mineral stibnite (Sb₂S₃). Major producers include China, Russia, Tajikistan and Bolivia.
Group 15 | Period 5 | P Block | Metalloid
Antimony is used in flame-retardant materials, lead-acid batteries, semiconductors, infrared detectors, alloys and specialized glass manufacturing.
Lead, Tin, Sulfur and Arsenic
Although useful in industry, many antimony compounds are toxic if improperly handled. Safe industrial practices ensure its responsible use.
Electronic Configuration: [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p³
Antimony greatly increases the hardness and strength of lead, making it valuable in batteries, bearings and durable industrial alloys.
The symbol "Sb" comes from the Latin word Stibium, which refers to the mineral stibnite from which antimony is commonly extracted.
Antimony trioxide is one of the world's most widely used flame-retardant materials. It helps reduce the spread of fire in plastics, textiles and electronic equipment.
Adding small amounts of antimony to lead improves the strength, durability and performance of lead-acid batteries used in vehicles and backup power systems.
Antimony compounds are used in infrared detectors, semiconductor devices and high-speed electronic components that support communication and sensing technologies.
From ancient cosmetics and medicines to modern batteries, flame-retardant materials and semiconductors, antimony has quietly adapted to every era of human civilization. Its unique combination of metallic and non-metallic properties makes it a remarkable bridge between the ancient world and today's advanced technologies.
Scientists are studying antimony for thermoelectric materials, advanced semiconductors, energy-storage devices and next-generation electronic technologies.
Antimony was formed through neutron-capture nucleosynthesis inside ancient stars. Today, it contributes to technologies ranging from energy storage to electronics.
In ancient Egypt, powdered antimony compounds were used as eye cosmetics known as kohl, giving dramatic black outlines around the eyes.