Discovered : by C.A. Winkler in 1886 Isolated in Frieberg, Germany Origin : The name is derived from 'Germania', the Latin name for Germany . Description : A silvery semi-metal element used in semi-conductors and speciality glass for infrared devices. Germanium ores are very rare and the element is recovered as a by-product of zinc and copper refining. Our daily diet may contain as much as 1 milligramme, but theories that germanium is important to our health have been discredited. Image : Antique transistor.