Antimony and Antimony Alloys

Abstract Antimony belongs to Group 15 (VA) of the Periodic Table, which also includes arsenic and bismuth. Antimony ore bodies are small and scattered throughout the world. Nearly all of the world's primary antimony is mined in China, Bolivia, and Russia. World reserves of antimony are estimated to be ∼1.8 million tons. Antimony is a silvery white, brittle solid. It is ordinarily quite stable and not readily attacked by air. The antimony content of commercial ores ranges fro 5 to 60%, and determines the method of treatment, either hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical. The U.S. is not self‐sufficient in its requirements for antimony and is heavily dependent on imports of both ore and metal. Metallic antimony can be handled freely, without danger, but direct skin contact should be avoided. Most antimony compounds are poisonous. Antimony uses are as follows: in flame retardants, transportation including batteries, and ceramics, glass, and solar cells