Germanium (Ge). Diagram of the nuclear composition and electron configuration of an atom of germanium-74 (atomic number: 32), the most common isotope of this element. The nucleus consists of 32 protons (red) and 42 neutrons (yellow). 32 electrons (white) bind to the nucleus, successively occupying available electron shells (rings). The stability of an element's outer electrons determines its chemical and physical properties. Germanium is a metalloid in group 14, period 4, and the p-block of the periodic table. Used in early semiconductors, it has mostly been replaced by silicon. It has a melting point of 938 degrees Celsius.