Germanium

__**Essential Information**__ Date of Discovery:** 1886
 * Name:** Germanium
 * Symbol:** Ge
 * Atomic Number:** 32
 * Atomic Mass:** 72.61 amu
 * Period Number:** 4
 * Group Number:** 14
 * State at Room Temperature:** solid
 * Classification:** semi- metallic
 * __History__
 * Discoverer:** Clemens Winkler
 * Name Origin:** From the Latin word //Germania//, meaning Germany

Melting Point:** 937.4 °C (1210.55 K, 1719.3201 °F) Atomic Mass:** 72.61 amu
 * __Physical Properties__
 * Boiling Point:** 2830.0 °C (3103.15 K, 5126.0 °F)
 * Atomic Number: 32
 * Percent Abundance:** The abundance of germanium in the Earth's crust is estimated to be about 7 parts per million. That places it in the bottom third of the elements arranged according to their abundance.
 * State of Matter:** solid
 * Color:** grayish
 * Texture:** smooth and sharp

Biological Role:** The development of fiber optic technology for audio communications, specifically telephony, opened a whole new market for the element. In time, germanium  was also identified as an excellent option for the production of infrared night vision equipment for security systems. Medical equipment such as infrared spectroscopes also benefits from the use of scandium. Germanium is sometimes used in conjunction with other elements to create various alloys, as well as in the production of fluorescent lamps. Fiber optics and infrared cameras still account for a huge amount of modern day uses for germanium  **. Health Hazards:**
 * __Element Uses__

Important compound element forms: How much german**70Ge, 72Ge, 73Ge, 74Ge, and 76Ge**ium can you buy for $100.00?: All isotopes:**
 * __Other information__