Metals Documentation
Ge32
Germanium
Metalloid
Last updated: January 2026Overview
A semiconductor metalloid critical for fiber optics, infrared optics, and solar cells. Germanium's unique optical properties make it irreplaceable in night vision and thermal imaging systems.
Strategic Relevance
Subject to Chinese export controls since 2023. Essential for defense and telecommunications infrastructure.
Applications
01Fiber optics
02Infrared optics
03Solar cells
04Night vision
05PET catalysts
Price History
Historical price trend (USD/kg or USD/tonne)
Physical Properties
- Density
- 5.32 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 938.3°C
- Atomic Number
- 32
- Category
- Metalloid
Supply Concentration
- China93%
- Belgium4%
- Other3%