A grayish-white, nonmetallic chemical element of the carbon family belonging to group 14 of the periodic table. Symbol Ge. It was predicted in 1871 by Mendeleev (eka-silicon) discovered by Winkler in 1886.

It is used in semiconductors, transistors, infrared equipment etc.

It is found in zinc sulphide and in certain other sulphide ores, and is mainly obtained as a by-product of zinc smelting. Also present in some coal (up to 1.6%)

Small amounts are used in specialized alloys but the main use depends on its semiconductor properties

Chemically, it forms compounds in the +2 and +4 oxidation states, the germanium (IV) compounds being the more stable. The element also forms a large number of organometallic compounds.