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.

Antimony (Sb) shown in the VisionVix 3D Periodic TableExplore in 3D
Antimony in the VisionVix 3D Periodic Table. Click the picture to open it live.

Antimony quick facts

Atomic number51
SymbolSb
Atomic mass121.76
CategoryMetalloid
Group and periodGroup 15, period 5
Blockp-block
State at room temperatureSolid
Electron configuration[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p³
Electrons per shell2, 8, 18, 18, 5
DiscoveredAncient 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.

Previous element50. TinNext element52. Tellurium

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.

The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.