Gallium FAQs

Gallium is a soft, silvery metal with the atomic number 31. It is known for its low melting point and is used in various applications from electronics to medical fields.

Gallium has a melting point of approximately 29.76°C (85.57°F), which means it can melt in your hand. It has a boiling point of about 2204°C (3999°F) and is relatively dense.

Gallium is considered to have low toxicity. However, it should not be ingested.

Yes, gallium has been used in radiopharmaceuticals for medical imaging and as a therapeutic agent due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Gallium is a critical component in semiconductors, especially in the manufacture of gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN), used in integrated circuits and LED technology.

Gallium can form alloys with many metals and is known for its ability to wet glass and ceramics, making it useful in creating high-temperature thermometers and other specialized equipment.

Gallium is not found in its free form in nature but is extracted as a byproduct of aluminum and zinc production and can be found in bauxite and zinc ores.

Gallium is primarily obtained from the processing of bauxite ore during aluminum production and, to a lesser extent, from zinc mining and processing.

Beyond electronics, gallium's unique melting point allows for intriguing demonstrations in physics education, and its ability to create mirrors when painted on glass is utilized in reflective applications.

Yes, gallium easily alloys with many other metals, including aluminum, gold, and silver, creating compounds with various industrial and research applications.

Yes, gallium can be recycled from scrap materials and waste from the production of electronics and other gallium-containing products.

Gallium's role in technology, particularly in semiconductors and renewable energy applications, such as solar panels and efficient lighting, is expected to grow, reflecting its importance in advancing technology.

The price of gallium is subject to market demand, particularly from the electronics industry, and the availability of bauxite ore from which it is extracted. Global production capacities and technological innovations also influence its price.