Gallium (Ga), element 31 on the periodic table, is a soft, silvery-white metal known for its unique characteristic: it melts at temperatures just above room temperature. Although it is a metal used heavily in advanced electronics and semiconductors, it is not restricted to industrial buyers. Gallium is widely available for purchase through various online channels and is often sold as a novelty or educational item, allowing almost anyone to experience its unusual physical properties.
Unique Physical Characteristics of Gallium
Gallium is known for its remarkably low melting point, approximately 29.76°C (85.57°F), making it one of the few elements that can liquefy in the palm of a human hand. The average human body temperature provides more than enough warmth for this transformation from a brittle solid into a shimmering, mirror-like liquid. Despite melting at such a low temperature, Gallium has an extremely high boiling point of approximately 2,403°C (4,357°F), giving it the longest liquid range of any element. In its liquid state, the metal exhibits a tendency to “wet” or cling to surfaces like glass or porcelain, unlike mercury. Liquid Gallium also possesses a higher density than its solid form, an unusual trait shared with only a few substances, most notably water.
Where to Purchase Consumer Gallium
Acquiring Gallium is straightforward, as it is readily sold by specialty chemical suppliers, element collectors, and large e-commerce platforms. Consumers typically purchase Gallium with a purity level of 99.99% or higher, which is sufficient for novelty and educational purposes. The metal is commonly offered in small quantities, such as 5, 20, or 50 grams, often contained within labeled glass vials or durable plastic bottles.
Pricing can fluctuate based on market demand and quantity, but small amounts are generally inexpensive, costing well under twenty dollars for 5 to 10 grams. There are generally no federal restrictions on purchasing small amounts for personal use, though some retailers may have shipping limitations due to its corrosive nature toward aluminum.
Essential Safety and Handling Precautions
While Gallium is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity, proper handling is necessary to prevent property damage and unwanted stains. The primary precaution is keeping Gallium away from aluminum and aluminum alloys. Gallium is highly corrosive to aluminum, as it penetrates the protective oxide layer and weakens the structural integrity of the metal, causing irreversible damage.
The liquid metal will also readily stain skin and other household surfaces with a grayish residue that can be difficult to remove. Wear gloves when handling liquid Gallium to avoid staining and prevent potential mild skin or eye irritation. For storage, the metal should always be kept in sealed, non-metallic containers, such as glass or polyethylene plastic. Spills are best managed by allowing the metal to solidify, then scooping up the solid pieces and cleaning the remaining residue with soap and water.
Why Consumers Buy Gallium
The primary reason consumers seek out Gallium is for its novelty appeal and use in simple, visually striking demonstrations. The classic “melting spoon” trick, where a spoon cast from Gallium liquefies when placed in a hot cup of tea or coffee, is a popular way to showcase its low melting point. This makes it a favored item for science demonstrations and element collections.
Gallium is also purchased for small-scale thermal experiments and casting projects. Because it wets glass and has a high thermal conductivity, it is sometimes used as a non-toxic liquid metal replacement in specialized thermometers or as a thermal interface material. Its ability to liquefy easily and solidify rapidly makes it useful for amateur mold-making and creating small, intricate metal casts.