Germanium
Overview
A semiconductor metalloid critical for fiber optics, infrared optics, and solar cells. Germanium's unique optical properties make it irreplaceable in night vision and thermal imaging systems.
Strategic Relevance
Subject to Chinese export controls since 2023. Essential for defense and telecommunications infrastructure.
Applications
Price History
Historical price trend (USD/kg or USD/tonne)
Physical Properties
- Density
- 5.32 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 938.3°C
- Atomic Number
- 32
- Category
- Metalloid
Supply Concentration
- China93%
- Belgium4%
- Other3%
Related Documentation
Procyon Indicative Price
Form: Metal · Purity: 99.999%
Indicative level for information only, based on Procyon Metals' trading activity. It is not a firm offer or investment advice. Firm quotes are issued to partner advisers and professional clients according to form, purity and volume.
Request a firm quote →Frequently asked questions
What is the price of germanium?
In 2024, the reference price for germanium stood at around 2200 USD/kg, compared with 1850 USD/kg in 2023. Prices vary with purity, form (oxide or metal) and traded volume; the full history is charted above.
How can a client hold physical germanium?
Germanium is held in a specified form (metal, oxide or compound) and purity, backed by a certificate of analysis for the lot. Procyon Metals works through wealth advisers and family offices: it sources from vetted counterparties, documents the lot and arranges transport and storage with a specialist custodian.
Why is germanium a strategic metal?
Subject to Chinese export ban since December 2024. China controls 93% of global supply. Essential for defense and telecommunications infrastructure.
Which countries produce germanium?
Germanium production is highly concentrated: China (93%), Belgium (4%).
How liquid is physical germanium?
Less liquid than listed products: there is no exchange price for germanium that a private holder can trade on. Resale is negotiated with industrial buyers or traders, and the price and timing depend on form, purity, lot size and demand at that moment. It should be treated as a long-horizon holding.