Germanium

Germanium: Recently, India formally raised concerns with the Chinese government over export restrictions on germanium, a critical material used in semiconductors, fiber optic cables, and solar panels.

• About Germanium : A hard, brittle, lustrous grey-white metalloid with properties between metals and nonmetals. It has a diamond-like crystal structure similar to silicon.

o Position in the Periodic Table: Located in Group 14, between silicon and tin.

o Uses: Vital for semiconductors, fiber-optic cables, infrared imaging devices, and solar cells.

-Enhances heat resistance and energy conversion efficiency in solar panels.

-Improves the performance of weapon systems under harsh conditions.

o Stable in air and water; resistant to most alkalis and acids, except nitric acid.

o Not found in its free form due to high reactivity. It is sourced primarily from minerals like renierite and germanite.

o Additional Sources: Trace quantities of germanium can also be found in zinc-blende ores, sulfidic ores of arsenic and copper, and certain coals.

• China is the world's largest producer and exporter of germanium, it accounts for 60% of global production.