The elements that lie close to the stair step line in the periodic table are called metalloids.
Metalloids exhibit properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They can conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals, making them useful in a variety of applications, including semiconductors in electronics. The most commonly recognized metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium. Their position on the periodic table allows for unique chemical properties and behavior, which is why they are often studied in chemistry and materials science.