antimonia

Antimonia, known in English as antimony, is a chemical element with the symbol Sb and atomic number 51. It is classified as a metalloid, exhibiting properties between those of metals and nonmetals. In its pure form it is a brittle, silvery‑white material that darkens on exposure to air due to surface oxidation. Antimonia occurs in nature primarily as the sulfide mineral stibnite (Sb2S3); oxide minerals such as valentinite and senarmontite form as secondary phases. It is extracted from stibnite ore and refined by roasting to oxide, followed by reduction with carbon to yield metal.

Antimonia has several important applications. The metal is alloyed with lead to improve hardness and stiffness in batteries and bearing materials, and with tin to make pewter. Antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) is a widely used flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and electronics. Other antimony compounds are employed as catalysts, in glass and ceramics, and in various chemical processes. Historically, antimony compounds were used in cosmetics and pigments, including eye cosmetics and some medicinal preparations.

Health and environmental considerations: antimony and its compounds are toxic, and exposure—especially via inhalation of dust or fumes—can irritate the respiratory system and cause other health effects. Long‑term exposure may pose additional risks, and safety regulations govern occupational handling, emissions, and waste disposal. Environmentally, antimony can accumulate in soils and sediments, with mobility dependent on chemical form and local conditions.

Etymology and history: the symbol Sb derives from Latin stibium, a long‑used name for the element in ancient and medieval medicine and metallurgy. The English name antimony evolved from French antimoine, which in turn traces back to stibium.