Gallium

Gallium
Properties
Atomic symbol	Ga
Atomic number	31
Classification	Other Metals
Atomic mass	69.7 amu
Other Information
Date of discovery	1875
Name of discoverer	Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran
Name origin	From the Latin word Gallia, the old name of France
Uses	Semiconductor production
Obtained from	Bauxite, germanite, coal

Gallium is a silvery-white metal used in high-speed semiconductors and LEDs in the form of gallium arsenide (GaAs). The pure metal is somewhat brittle, and has a very low melting point of 29.78° Celsius (85.2° Fahrenheit). It will melt in your hand if held long enough, but this is not recommended because it stains hands and is difficult to get off.

Uses

It is used in some thermometers in the form of an alloy of gallium, indium, and tin. The reason this alloy is used in thermometers is because it’s a liquid at room temperature and therefore can be used as an alternative to mercury (element), which is poisonous.