Metalloids share intermediate properties between those of metals and non-metals.
Metalloids have a metallic appearance but are fragile and poor conductors of electricity. Their chemical properties are essentially those of non-metals. They can form alloys with metals. They generally have a mechanical strength too low to be used in structural applications and are generally used through their alloys, as catalysts, fireproofing, in the manufacture of glasses, optical disk drives, optoelectronics, pyrotechnics, semiconductors, and electronics.