The first transistor in 1947 was made of germanium — not silicon. Without this tiny piece of semiconductor, there would be no computers, phones, or internet. Germanium launched the digital age, though cheaper silicon later replaced it.
But germanium didn't disappear. Today it sees what's invisible to the eye: thermal cameras for rescue workers and military run on germanium lenses. Germanium is transparent to infrared light at wavelengths of 2–12 μm — the perfect range for detecting body heat.
Mendeleev predicted germanium in 1871 as 'eka-silicon'. Fifteen years later, Clemens Winkler found it — and all properties matched. This was the second triumph of the periodic law after gallium.
Germanium detectors are the most precise gamma-ray sensors. At the Gran Sasso lab beneath the Alps, they search for dark matter. Crystal purity — 99.9999999% (nine nines). And in fiber optics, germanium increases the core's refractive index — without it, the internet wouldn't work.
Metallic germanium and its dioxide are low-toxicity. But germanium tetrahydride (GeH₄) is extremely toxic and explosive — fume hoods and gas detectors are mandatory. When grinding germanium, a dust respirator is needed. Dietary supplements with 'organic germanium' lack proven efficacy and may harm kidneys.
The first transistor at Bell Labs (1947) was germanium. It launched the digital age — without it, there'd be no computers or smartphones.
Mendeleev predicted germanium as 'eka-silicon' in 1871. Fifteen years later, Winkler found it — and all the numbers matched.
Germanium was named after Germany (Germania). Its discoverer Clemens Winkler was a patriot and chose this name with pride.
Germanium detectors at Gran Sasso have 99.9999999% purity (9 nines) — searching for dark matter under a kilometer of rock.
Germanium is transparent to infrared light (2–12 μm). That's why thermal cameras use germanium lenses — it 'sees' heat.
| Isotope | Mass (u) | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
70Ge | 69.924247 | 20.84% | stable | — |
72Ge | 71.922076 | 27.54% | stable | — |
73Ge | 72.923459 | 7.73% | stable | — |
74Ge | 73.921178 | 36.28% | stable | — |
76Ge | 75.921403 | 7.61% | stable | — |
Analysis of argyrodite