Metalloid, or semi metal is a term used in chemistry when classifying the chemical elements. On the basis of their general physical and chemical properties, nearly every element in the periodic table can be termed either a metal or a nonmetal. However, a few elements with intermediate properties are referred to as metalloids. They are sometimes called (and confused with) semiconductors and semimetals.
The following elements are generally considered metalloids:
- Boron (B)
- Silicon (Si)
- Germanium (Ge)
- Arsenic (As)
- Antimony (Sb)
- Tellurium (Te)
- Polonium (Po)
Inclusion of polonium is somewhat academic because all its isotopes are radioactive.