Properties of metals, metalloids and nonmetals one or two properties very different from the expected norm, or that are otherwise notable. Sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, barium, platinum, gold Manganese Iron, cobalt, nickel, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium Iridium Gold Mercury Lead Bismuth Uranium Plutonium Boron Boron, antimony Silicon Arsenic Antimony Hydrogen Helium Carbon Phosphorus Iodine Properties of metals, metalloids and nonmetals Metals appear lustrous (beneath any patina); form mixtures (alloys) when combined with other metals; tend to lose or share electrons when they react with other substances; and each forms at least one predominantly basic oxide. Most metals are silvery looking, high density, relatively soft
Metalloid otherwise the crystalline form results. These compounds are used in chemical, domestic, and industrial glassware and optics. Boron trioxide is used as a glass fibre additive, and is also a component of borosilicate glass, widely used for laboratory glassware and domestic ovenware for its low thermal expansion. Most ordinary glassware is made from silicon dioxide. Germanium dioxide is used as a glass fibre additive, as well as in infrared optical systems. Arsenic trioxide is used in the glass industry as a decolourizing and fining agent (for the removal of bubbles), as is antimony trioxide. Tellurium dioxide finds application in laser