Abstract

Antimony, Sb, belongs to Group 15 (VA) of the Periodic Table, which also includes arsenic and bismuth. World reserves of antimony are estimated to be ~ 2.1 million metric tons. Most of the world's supply can be found in China, Bolivia, Russia, and the Republic of South Africa. Antimony is a slivery white, brittle solid. It is ordinarily quite stable and not readily attacked by air. Antimony is often associated with lead ores. The antimony content of commercial ores ranges from 5 to 60% and determines the method of treatment, either pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical. Process metallurgy details are given, as well as alternative methods of production. Antimony is available as cast cakes, ingots, broken pieces, granules, shot, and single crystals. The United States is not self-sufficient in its requirements for antimony and much of it is imported. China supplies most of the needed antimony.

Uses for antimony include as compounds in flame retardants, transportation, (including batteries), chemicals, and glass.

Antimony is a common air pollutant and is released into the environment by burning fossil fuels and from industry. Antimony can enter the human body by ingestion of meats, vegetables, and seafood. Metallic antimony can be handled without danger, but it is recommended that direct skin contact be avoided. The bulk of secondary antimony has been recovered as antimonial lead.