Gallium is a soft, silvery metal primarily used in high-tech industries for gallium arsenide in semiconductors, 5G devices, LEDs, and solar panels. It is characterized by its low melting point of 29.76°C (85.58°F), allowing it to melt in the hand. Primarily produced as a byproduct of processing bauxite and sphalerite, it is considered low-toxicity.
| Symbol | Atomic Number | Atomic mass | Melting point | Boiling Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ga | 31 | 69.723 | 29.76c | 2,204c |
History
was discovered spectroscopically by French chemist Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1875 while examining zinc blende ore. It famously validated Dmitri Mendeleev’s 1871 prediction of “eka-aluminum”. Known for its low melting point it is a critical material in modern semiconductors and electronics.
Gallium’s Usages
primarily used in the electronics industry (over 95% of consumption) to create compounds like gallium arsenide and gallium nitride. These are vital for high-speed, high-efficiency components in LEDs, smartphone chips, solar cells, and power electronics. Its low melting point also makes it useful in, thermometers, switches, and as a non-toxic replacement for mercury.
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