Not every element fits neatly into the categories of metal or non-metal. Metalloids occupy the middle ground, combining characteristics of both. Common examples of metalloids include arsenic, antimony, boron, germanium, silicon, and tellurium.
They are generally solid and may have a metallic appearance, yet tend to be brittle rather than malleable. Their electrical conductivity also falls between that of metals and non-metals, making several metalloids particularly valuable as semiconductors.
Silicon is perhaps the best-known example, forming the foundation of modern electronic devices. From computer chips to advanced materials, metalloids play an important role in technologies that shape everyday life.
