Investing in Germanium

Germanium is a metalloid. Because of its small band gap, it reponds efficiently to infrared light and is used in infrared spectroscopes for thermal imaging devices. It is an important material for semiconductors and is used in transistors. Germanium oxide has an index of refraction that makes it useful in wide-angle lenses.

Teck Cominco (NYSE: TCK) - Their specialty metals division produces germanium, bismuth, cadmium, and indium.

AXT, Inc - manufactures and sells raw materials to the semiconductor substrate industry through joint ventures in China. These materials include germanium, arsenic, boron, and gallium.