Metalloids6 elements · along the zig-zag staircase between metals and nonmetals on the right-hand side
Metalloids have properties in between those of metals and nonmetals. The commonly recognised metalloids are boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony and tellurium, lying along the zig-zag staircase that separates metals from nonmetals. Most look metallic but are brittle, and many are semiconductors — their electrical conductivity rises with temperature — which is why silicon and germanium underpin modern electronics.
# Properties of metalloids
- Mixed metallic and nonmetallic properties
- Metallic lustre but brittle
- Many are semiconductors
- Lie along the metal–nonmetal staircase
# List of metalloids
| # | Symbol | Element | Atomic mass | Electron configuration | State at 25 °C | Melting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | B | Boron | 10.81 | [He] 2s² 2p¹ | solid | 2349 K |
| 14 | Si | Silicon | 28.086 | [Ne] 3s² 3p² | solid | 1687 K |
| 32 | Ge | Germanium | 72.63 | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p² | solid | 1211.4 K |
| 33 | As | Arsenic | 74.922 | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p³ | solid | 1090 K |
| 51 | Sb | Antimony | 121.76 | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p³ | solid | 903.78 K |
| 52 | Te | Tellurium | 127.6 | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴ | solid | 722.66 K |
# Metalloids FAQ
Which elements are metalloids?
There are 6 metalloids in this table: Boron, Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic, Antimony, Tellurium.
Where are the metalloids on the periodic table?
The metalloids are found in along the zig-zag staircase between metals and nonmetals on the right-hand side.
What are the properties of metalloids?
Mixed metallic and nonmetallic properties; Metallic lustre but brittle; Many are semiconductors; Lie along the metal–nonmetal staircase.