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| Germanium is mainly a byproduct of zinc ore processing. It is a hard, grayish-white element; it has a metallic luster and the same crystal structure as diamond; and it is brittle, like glass. In addition, it is important to note that germanium is a semiconductor, with electrical properties between those of a metal and an insulator. The development of the germanium transistor opened the door to countless applications of solid-state electronics. From 1950 through the early 1970's, this area provided an increasing market for germanium, but then high purity silicon began replacing germanium in transistors, diodes, and rectifiers. Meanwhile, demand for germanium in fiber optics communication networks, infrared night vision systems, and polymerization catalysts increased dramatically. These end uses represented 85% of worldwide germanium consumption for 2000. World germanium consumption has been greater than primary production in recent years, but releases of germanium from government stockpiles and increased recycling have provided adequate supply. The yearend price for germanium in 2000 was $1,150 per kilogram. |
Publications
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Annual Publications
- Germanium
PDF Format:
| 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | - Appendixes
- Germanium
PDF Format:
| 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
XLS Format:
| 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | - Archive
| 1932-1993 |
Special Publications
- Germanium Recycling in the United States in 2000
Open-File Report 2005-1274 - Historical Statistics for Mineral and Material Commodities in the United States
Data Series 140 - Metal Prices in the United States through 1998
- Germanium (PDF)
- Mineral Commodity Profiles: Germanium
Open-File Report 2004-1218
Contact
- USGS Mineral Commodity Specialist
David E. Guberman
Phone: 703-648-4977
Fax: 703-648-7757
Email: dguberman@usgs.gov
