Germanium is a metallic-looking, grayish-white element. Small amounts of organic germanium are found in some plant-based foods. It was discovered in 1886 by the German chemist Clemens A. Winkler. Winkler discovered germanium in the mineral argyrodite. Germanium is particularly attractive since it could be easily integrated into existing technological processes. Germanium ores are very rare, and the element is recovered as a by-product of zinc and copper refining. Inorganic germanium is mined and widely used as a semiconductor in the electronics industry. Both organic and inorganic germanium have been sold as dietary supplements, though the organic forms are more commonly used today. Certain germanium compounds have a low mammalian toxicity, but a clear activity against certain bacteria, which makes them of interest as chemotherapeutic agents. The use of germanium instead of silicon as basic material of transistors would enable faster chips containing smaller transistors.