Antimony (Sb): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Antimony is element 51 on the periodic table, a metalloid, with properties between metals and nonmetals. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DAntimony quick facts
| Atomic number | 51 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Sb |
| Atomic mass | 121.76 |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Group and period | Group 15, period 5 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p³ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 18, 5 |
| Discovered | Ancient times |
What is antimony used for?
- Flame retardants in plastics
- Lead-acid battery plates (alloying)
- Semiconductors
Interesting facts about antimony
- Kohl eye makeup has sometimes contained antimony sulphide (stibnite) since ancient times
- Antimony is one of the few elements that expands when it solidifies (like water/ice)
- The alchemical symbol for antimony was a circle with a cross on top
Antimony has been known since ancient times, long before anyone could call it an element.
Where antimony sits on the periodic table
Antimony is in group 15, period 5. Tap any element to open its page.
Other metalloids
Antimony questions
What is the atomic number of antimony?
Antimony has atomic number 51, so every antimony atom has 51 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Sb and its atomic mass is 121.76.
Is antimony a metal?
Antimony is a metalloid, with properties between metals and nonmetals. On the periodic table it is grouped as a metalloid, found in group 15, period 5.
What is the electron configuration of antimony?
The electron configuration of antimony is [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p³. Its electrons sit in 5 shells: 2, 8, 18, 18, 5.
What is antimony used for?
Antimony is used for flame retardants in plastics, lead-acid battery plates (alloying) and semiconductors.
Who discovered antimony?
Antimony has been known since ancient times, long before anyone could call it an element.
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