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Metals, alloys and elements

Germanium

Also known as Germanium element, Germanium, metal powder, Germanium metallicum

CAS 7440-56-4Formula GeMolar mass 72.61 g/molEC 231-164-3
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Serious health hazard 63 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Element with atomic number and standard atomic weight

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Grayish-white, lustrous, brittle metalloid, diamond-cubic structure when crystalline
Melting point
937.2 °C
Boiling point
2,700 °C
Density
5.323 @ 25 °C/4 °C
Solubility
INSOL IN WATER, HYDROCHLORIC ACID, DIL ALKALI HYDROXIDES
HS code
811292
Category
Metals, alloys and elements
Illustrative photo, off-white crystalline powder in fibre drums in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Germanium?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Germide(4-) is a monoatomic tetraanion and an elemental germanium.

Germanium is a chemical element with symbol Ge and atomic number 32.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
germanium
CAS number
7440-56-4 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 13572-99-1, 33272-98-9, 7782-65-2
EC number
231-164-3
Molecular formula
Ge
UNII
00072J7XWS
MDL number
MFCD00011028
InChIKey
GNPVGFCGXDBREM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/Ge
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
[Ge]

Synonyms

  • Germanium element
  • Germanium, metal powder
  • Germanium metallicum
  • Ge
  • Germanium powder
  • germanium atom
  • germanium(2+)
  • germylidyne
  • ICP-MS Internal Standard: Ge @ 100 ug/mL in 2% HNO3
  • Germanium, chips, 99.999% trace metals basis
  • germanio
  • germylium
  • Germanium Standard: Ge @ 10 microg/mL in H2O, tr. F-
  • Germanium Standard: Ge @ 1000 microg/mL in H2O, tr. F-
  • Germanyliumato
  • germanium metal
  • Germanium Standard: Ge @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HNO3, tr. HF
  • Internal Standard: Ge @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HNO3, tr. F-
  • Germanium Standard: Ge @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3, tr. HF
  • Germanium Standard: Ge @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3, tr. HF
  • Atomic Germanium
  • Element-Ge
  • Element:Ge
  • Element Germanium
  • Element:Germanium
Show all 37 synonyms
  • metallic germanium
  • Germanium Nanorods
  • elemental germanium
  • Ge (element)
  • Germanium Nanowires
  • metalloids germanium
  • Germanium (atomic)
  • Germanium Nanoprisms
  • Germanium (element)
  • germanium(2+) ion
  • germanium(II) cation
  • Germanium pieces, 5N

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Grayish-white, lustrous, brittle metalloid, diamond-cubic structure when crystallineexp.
Melting point
937.2 °Cexp.
Boiling point
2,700 °Cexp.
Density
5.323 @ 25 °C/4 °Cexp.
Solubility
INSOL IN WATER, HYDROCHLORIC ACID, DIL ALKALI HYDROXIDESexp.
Vapour pressure
0 mm Hg @ 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
72.61 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
73.9212 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.38calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
1calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H228Flammable solid.
  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
  • H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
  • H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (12)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Germanium suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 63 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

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Where suppliers are based

63 suppliers in 16 countries

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Germanium price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

In electronics: manufacture of rectifying devices (germanium diodes), transistors, in red-fluorescing phosphors, in dental alloys, in prodn of glass capable of transmitting infrared radiation.

As a catalyst.

In electroplating.

(Vet): intestinal astringent.

In infrared optics, gamma-ray spectroscopy, and fiber optics.

Functional uses

  • Plating agent

Pharmacology

Germanium is an element with atomic symbol Ge, atomic number 32, and atomic weight 72.64.

How it is made

Smelting produces crude germanium concentrates from which germanium tetrachloride can be distilled & converted to germanium oxide by hydrolysis in water. Oxide...reduced in pure hydrogen @ a temp of about 700 °c to germanium metal & this is refined in..."zone refining" process...

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Germanium is traded under.

HS 8112.92Indicative HS code

Articles thereof, unwrought, including waste and scrap, powders

Our trade statistics cover HS chapters 25 to 40 (minerals, chemicals, plastics and rubber). This code is in chapter 81, metals, which is not included yet.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Germanium is indicative (it is known at chapter level only). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Germanium, based on the data on this page

What is Germanium?

Germide(4-) is a monoatomic tetraanion and an elemental germanium.

What is the CAS number of Germanium?

The CAS registry number of Germanium is 7440-56-4. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 13572-99-1, 33272-98-9, 7782-65-2.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Germanium?

The molecular formula of Germanium is Ge and its molar mass is 72.61 g/mol.

What is Germanium used for?

In electronics: manufacture of rectifying devices (germanium diodes), transistors, in red-fluorescing phosphors, in dental alloys, in prodn of glass capable of transmitting infrared radiation. As a catalyst. In electroplating. (Vet): intestinal astringent. In infrared optics, gamma-ray spectroscopy, and fiber optics.

Is Germanium hazardous?

Germanium carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: flammable solid, suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Germanium?

Germanium is usually classified under HS code 811292 (Unwrought, waste and scrap, powders). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Germanium?

CompoundList lists 63 suppliers of Germanium in United States, China, Germany, Spain and 12 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Germanium in India?

2 suppliers in India list Germanium on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Germanium?

Suppliers quote Germanium on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Germanium

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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