Appearance
Antimony exists as two allotropes, of which the metal is the usual form. This is extremely brittle, with a silvery colour and a hard, crystalline nature. The second allotropic form is a grey powder.

Source
Antimony is not an abundant element but is found in small quantities in over one hundred mineral species. It can be found as the native metal, but more frequently as Antimony (II) sulphide from which it is extracted for commercial use. This is done by roasting the Antimony (II) sulphide to the oxide, and then reducing with Carbon or Iron.

Uses
Antimony is widely used in alloys, especially with Lead in order to improve its hardness and mechanical strength, and in this form is used in batteries. Antimony is also used in making infra-red detectors, diodes, type metal, bullets and cable sheathing.

Antimony compounds are used in manufacturing flame-proof compounds, paints, enamels, glass and pottery.

General Information
Antimony is stable in air and is not attacked by dilute acids or alkalis. It is not acted upon by air at room temperature, but burns brilliantly when heated with the formation of white fumes of Antimony (III) oxide.

Antimony and its compounds are toxic.