Germanium - the key to Argentium Silver
What is germanium?
Uses for germanium
Germanium imparts unique properties to sterling silver
Argentium Silver's protective germanium oxide
Related documents
What is germanium?
Germanium is a grey/white metalloid (having both metalic and non-metallic properties).
It is a semi-precious, conductive material.
The pure element is brittle, with a crystalline structure.
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Uses for germanium include:
- Substrate for electronic devices
- Alloying agent (e.g. dental alloys)
- Phosphor in fluorescent lamps
- Fibre optics
- Polymerisation catalyst in beverage containers (e.g. water bottles)
- Infrared spectroscopes and other optical equipment, including infrared detectors
- Component of wide-angle camera lenses and microscope objectives
- Anti-bacterial properties used for medicinal purposes
Germanium imparts unique properties to sterling silver, including:
- Tarnish resistance
- Firescale elimination
- Simple heat-hardening properties
- Increased thermal and electrical resistance (making Argentium Silver suitable for welding processes)
- Increased ductility (assisting shaping and forming processes)
Argentium Silver's protective germanium oxide
The germanium in Argentium Silver oxidises preferentially to the copper and silver to form a transparent germanium oxide surface layer. This oxide forms in the presence of air/oxygen and is able to replenish itself at ambient temperatures through the migration of germanium atoms to the surface.
Germanium oxide:
- Protects the surface of Argentium Silver alloys from forming tarnish compounds
- Eliminates firescale by preventing the copper in Argentium Silver alloys from oxidising
Related documents
'Germanium - the key to Argentium Silver' data sheet (pdf download)
MSDS - germanium by Teckcominco (pdf download)
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