Gallium (Ga)

by Yogi P - October 30, 2023

Gallium (Ga): Bringing Incredible Versatility to Your Life

Gallium is a silvery-white metal that has a melting point of a mere 85°F (29.8°C), which makes it incredibly unique compared to other metals. It’s used for a range of applications both big and small, and provides many everyday benefits for people all over the globe.

From electronics and medical devices to the famed “Gallium Fools’ Alloy”, engineers and scientists alike could hardly do without this miraculous metal.

History and Discovery of Gallium (Ga)

Gallium was first discovered in 1875 by French chemist Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran. After analyzing a sample of zinc ore, Lecoq noticed that the spectrum of the ice-blue lines varied from that of zinc.

After further testing, he concluded that between zinc and copper there was another element, which he named gallium after the Latin word for France – Gallia.

Properties of Gallium (Ga)

• Atomic number: 31
• Symbol: Ga
• Atomic mass: 69.723 amu
• Melting point: 85.03°F (29.76°C)
• Boiling point: 4302.09°F (2377°C)
• Density: 5.904 grams per cm3
• Valence electrons: 3

Uses of Gallium (Ga)

Gallium is highly versatile and is put to a number of uses in everyday life. Specific uses include:

• Light emitting diodes (LEDs): Gallium is used widely in LEDs for efficient lighting, displays, and solar cells.
• Heat-Exchangers: Can be used in industrial processes to provide improved heat-transfer efficiency due to its high thermal conductivity.
• Aerospace: In the aerospace industry, Gallium is used to make light-weight and corrosion-resistant alloys.
• Crucibles: Gallium is also used in high-temperature crucibles to contain molten metals such as aluminium or zinc.
• Medical: Gallium is used in medical imaging, particularly Nuclear Medicine for certain imaging applications.

Safety Precautions

Although Gallium is an abundant element, it is still important to take safety precautions when handling it. It’s classified as a medical hazard and contact with skin can cause physical burns and irritation. For this reason, it should be stored and handled in a safe, well-ventilated area.

All Gallium waste should be disposed of through an approved waste-disposal program.

Conclusion

Gallium is an incredibly versatile metal that has its uses in several different industries, from medical to aerospace. It’s cheap to produce and has a fascinating melting point, and the range of applications for this metal is growing day by day.

Although one should take safety precautions when handling Gallium, if used correctly it can be a highly beneficial metal for both individuals and large industries.