Its trigonal crystallization pattern is evident in our ingots and is similar to that seen in our tellurium ingots. These ingots are lightly polished, similar to the one pictured. Inscribed on our ingots are the chemical symbol (Sb), purity (99.99%), weight (one troy ounce), and a serial number (this number is unique and will vary). This may indicate future price volatility. It sits high on the "risk list" published by the British Geologic Survey (see below link) as do several of our other metals. It also has growing uses in microelectronics. It is predominantly used in flame retardant compounds, in lead batteries, and in other alloys either with lead or with other metals to produce lead free products such as solders and bullets. It has been estimated that about 80 or 90% of worldwide antimony production comes from China and that established global reserves of this metal may be depleted in as few as 13 years. The ore called stibnite is the predominant ore from which antimony is produced and where it chemical symbol Sb originated. The first naturally occurring pure antimony metal was discovered in 1783 by Anto von Swab in the Sala Silver Mine in Sweden. The procedure to obtain its pure metallic form was first described in the posthumously released book "De la Pirotechnia" in 1540 by Italian metallurgist Vannoccio Biringuccio. One of the earliest uses of its sulfide was as an eye cosmetic in Egypt as early as 3100 BC with the advent of the cosmetic palette. If you have a custom requirement email us at or use our custom quote request tool to tell us exactly what you require.Antimony has been used since ancient times. In addition to the standard products listed in our online catalog, custom shapes and sizes are available upon request. Exposure Limits (Antimony and compounds): 0.5 mg/m3įor more information about Antimony, visit the Technical Data page. Hazards: IARC categorizes antimony trioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Antimony compounds are also used in ceramics, glass and rubber products, and as a pigment in paints. Antimony metal is used to alloy with lead for batteries, ammunition, tank linings and bearings. In the US some antimony production is derived from recycling of antimonial lead recovered from spent lead-acid batteries.Īpplications: Antimony trioxide, in conjunction with a halogen, is used to form a flame retardant system for coatings, fiberglass, paper, plastics, paints, textiles and rubber. China is the world’s largest producer of antimony. Antimony product may also be produced by blast furnace smelting or hydrometallurgical methods. Antimony trioxide may be volatilized from sulfide ores, and can be reduced to metal with charcoal in reverberatory furnaces. Sulfide ore or liquated antimony sulfide is reduced to metal by iron precipitation. It is sometimes found natively, but most frequently it is found as the sulfide mineral stibnite.ĭerivation: Ores are crushed and ground, then concentrated by flotation. Antimony is estimated to compose 0.2 to 0.5 parts per million of the earth’s crust, and is found in over 100 mineral species. Stable in air at room temperature, but reacts with oxygen if heated, to form antimony trioxide (Sb2O3). It is resistant to attack by acids, and is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Characteristics: A silver-white, crystalline metalloid, pure antimony is brittle and not easily formed.
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