Gallium

Gallium is a rare, soft metal that you won’t find in its pure form in nature. It belongs to Group 13 of the periodic table and is known by its symbol Ga and atomic number 31. One of the coolest things about gallium is that it can melt in your hand, as its melting point is just a little above room temperature.

This amazing metal is very important in the modern world. It is widely used in electronics, solar panels, medical treatments, and even in LED lights. Scientists and engineers love gallium because it can handle heat better than many other materials, making it perfect for making high-speed gadgets and devices.

Gallium is usually collected as a by-product when mining for aluminum and zinc. Though it is considered a rare element, its unique properties make it extremely valuable. In this article, we will learn about what gallium is, its properties, uses, where gallium is found, whether gallium is toxic, and other exciting facts about this incredible chemical element.

What is Gallium?

Gallium is a soft, silvery metal that belongs to Group 13 of the periodic table. It is not found in its pure form in nature but is extracted as a by-product of aluminum and zinc mining. Gallium is best known for its low melting point—so low that it can melt in your hand! This makes it a fascinating element for scientists, students, and engineers alike.

Gallium plays an important role in the electronics, solar energy, and medical fields. It is a rare, versatile, and valuable metal used in many high-tech applications.

Do Check: Reactivity Series

Gallium Basic Information

Where is Gallium Found?

Gallium does not occur naturally as a free metal. It is mostly found in trace amounts in minerals such as:

• Bauxite (the main source of aluminum)
• Sphalerite (a zinc ore)

During the refining of these ores, small quantities of gallium are separated and purified for industrial use. Major producers of gallium include countries like China, Germany, and Kazakhstan.

Gallium on the Periodic Table

Gallium is listed with the symbol Ga and has the atomic number 31. It falls under the group of elements known as post-transition metals. Gallium shares similar chemical characteristics with aluminum and indium, which are also in Group 13 of the periodic table.

Gallium Melting Point: A Unique Trait

One of gallium’s most fascinating features is its very low melting point of just 29.76 °C. That’s slightly above room temperature! Because of this, gallium can:

• Melt in your palm
• Be used in low-melting alloys
• Replace mercury in thermometers and barometers (since it’s non-toxic)

Its melting property also makes gallium useful in cooling systems and heat transfer devices.

Do Check: Isomeris

Gallium Uses in Real Life

Gallium is a highly versatile element with many advanced applications:

1. Electronics & Semiconductors

• Gallium arsenide (GaAs) is a crucial material in making transistors, LEDs, and solar cells.
• It's preferred over silicon in some devices due to better performance at high frequencies.

2. Medical Applications

• Compounds like gallium nitrate are used in cancer treatments and bone disease management.
• Gallium targets diseased cells while leaving healthy tissues unharmed.

3. Solar Technology

• Gallium is key to making high-efficiency solar panels used in satellites and spacecraft.

4. Thermometers & Low-Temperature Devices

• Gallium is used in thermometers, especially where non-toxic materials are required.

Do Check: Acetaldehyde

Gallium Properties - Physical and Chemical

Gallium has several interesting properties:

Gallium also forms compounds such as:

• Gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃)
• Gallium chloride (GaCl₃)

These are used in electronics, catalysis, and chemical research.

Is Gallium Toxic?

Gallium is non-toxic in small amounts and is generally considered safe to handle. However:

• Long-term exposure or ingestion should be avoided.
• If gallium stays on the skin for too long, it can cause mild irritation.
• Gallium should not be mixed with aluminum, as it can weaken the metal and cause damage.

Because of its low toxicity, gallium is used in many medical and electronic devices where safety is a concern.

Fun Facts About Gallium

• Gallium can remain liquid below its melting point—it supercools until disturbed.
• It was predicted before it was discovered! Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev left a space in the periodic table for it, and Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran discovered it in 1875.
• The name “Gallium” comes from Gallia, the Latin name for France.
• Gallium can destroy aluminum cans by seeping into the metal and making it brittle.

Conclusion

Gallium is a rare, remarkable element with extraordinary physical and chemical properties. From powering smartphones and satellites to assisting doctors in treating diseases, gallium proves that even trace metals can have huge impacts on modern life.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or science enthusiast, gallium is a fascinating topic to learn about. Its role in advancing technology and medicine makes it one of the most valuable metals in today’s world.