00:00What is antimony?
00:02You know antimony is a silver gray shiny and a brittle metal that has been known and used
00:08by humans for thousands of years.
00:10It is not very common, but it is very useful.
00:13It is mainly found in nature combined with other elements, especially in minerals called
00:19stevenides.
00:20When processed, it becomes a metal or a white powder called antimony trioxide.
00:26As far as who discovered antimony?
00:29It has been known since ancient times, but the exact persons who discovered it is not
00:34known.
00:35But it was used as early as 3000 BC.
00:39Ancient Egyptians used it in black eye makeup.
00:42In the 15th century, a European alchemist named Basil Valentine wrote about its properties,
00:48which helped in understanding how to use antimony in science.
00:52Antimony has many uses in industry.
00:54It is often mixed with other metals to make them stronger and harder.
00:59For example, it is added to lead in car batteries, bullets, and cable sheathing.
01:05It's also used in flame retardant materials to help prevent fires in cloths, finishers,
01:11and electronics.
01:12Antimony is also used in semiconductors, glassmaking, and ceramics.
01:18In our daily lives, antimony helps in ways we don't always notice.
01:23It is used in batteries for cars and backup power systems.
01:27It's in the fire-resistant cloths, firefighters, veers.
01:30It also used in some plastic and paints to make them safer and longer-lasting.
01:36Even some types of glass and mirrors uses antimony during manufacturing.
01:40Antimony trioxidase is the most important compound made from antimony.
01:45It looks like a fine white powder.
01:48It is mainly used as a flame retardant.
01:51When added to material, it helps reduce their flammability.
01:54It's also used as a white pigment and in making glass, ceramics, and rubber products.
02:01The most common OREF antimony is stibonite, which is a dark gray mineral.
02:07To get pure antimony, miners extract stibonite from the ground and then process it to remove
02:13the sulfur.
02:14Antimony ores are usually found in countries like China, Russia, Bolivia, Iran, and South
02:20Africa.
02:21Iran is one of the countries where antimony deposits are found.
02:25The country has been working on increasing antimony production to support its industries.
02:30Antimony from Iran is used locally and exported to other countries as well.
02:35The price of antimony changes based on demand and supply.
02:39Since it is a rare and useful metal, the price can go up if there is more demand, especially
02:45during times of industrial growth or geopolitical conflicts.
02:49In recent times, the prices have been risen because of the limited supply and increasing
02:54global usage.
02:55Recently, the word antimony has been mentioned in the context of the Iran-Israel war.
03:02It is believed that antimony may be used in military equipment.
03:06Because of its properties, its uses in technology and defense makes it a resource of interest during
03:12conflicts.
03:13Antimony is a small but powerful element with big uses in everyday life and industry.
03:19From helping make batteries and flame retardant materials to playing a role in global politics.
03:25Antimony is more than just a metal, it's a resource that matters in many ways.
03:30Whether in your car battery or a soldier equipment, Antimony continues to be a hidden hero in the
03:36modern world.
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