Nonmetals

Only eighteen elements in the periodic table

Nonmetals lack the typical characteristics of metals. They are poor conductors of electricity and heat and are not ductile. In their solid state they are rather dull and brittle. Compared to metals their density, melting and boiling points are lower. Nevertheless, the distinction between nonmetals, metalloids and semi-conductors is not always clear because modifications of one element may exert quite different properties, e.g. graphite and diamond, two modifications of the nonmetal carbon.

The group of nonmetals comprises halogens, noble gases, and the elements hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, sulfur and selenium. Except selenium the latter are major elements of all living organisms.

Substances

  • Common element in the environment and constituent of many minerals
  • Ubiquitous element which naturally occurs in its elementary form as well as in sulfide- and sulfate minerals
  • Ubiquitous toxic metalloid
  • Relatively rare element that naturally occurs both in its elemental form and in many minerals

Specimen

Sampling area

Sampling period

1985 - 2024