Gallium is a silvery, soft metal classified as a minor metal, typically produced as a byproduct rather than a primary commodity. It is unique because it melts just above room temperature, liquefying at approximately 29.76 degrees Celsius (85.57 degrees Fahrenheit) in one’s hand. Gallium’s properties make it indispensable for advanced electronic components, giving it a large role in modern technology despite its low global volume. Its price reflects this high-tech utility combined with a vulnerable supply chain structure.
Understanding Gallium’s Current Market Value
Gallium is not generally traded in ounces like gold or silver. Industrial and investment-grade gallium is typically bought and sold in metric units, most commonly by the kilogram (kg) or metric ton. The price is heavily dictated by its purity level; the high-purity metal required for electronics, often designated as 99.99% (4N) or 99.9999% (6N) pure, commands the highest prices.
As of early 2026, the retail price for high-purity gallium has been reported in the range of approximately $1,700 to $1,725 per kilogram. Since one kilogram contains about 35.27 standard ounces, this translates to an estimated price of roughly $48 to $50 per ounce for high-purity material. This calculated per-ounce price is an estimate based on industrial retail pricing.
Consumers buying small quantities for novelty purposes might pay a much higher premium due to processing and packaging costs. Conversely, a large manufacturer purchasing metric tons under a long-term contract would likely secure a lower bulk price. The small market size and necessity for extreme purity make gallium’s price inherently more volatile than that of common base metals.
Essential Roles in Modern Technology
Gallium’s value is derived from its unique semiconducting properties when combined with other elements, making it a foundation for high-speed and high-power electronics. Its primary use is in the creation of compound semiconductors, materials that offer performance advantages over traditional silicon-based chips. The most prominent compound is Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), which is widely used in radio frequency (RF) devices. GaAs is favored in applications requiring high electron mobility, such as components for smartphones, satellite communications, and advanced radar systems. This high mobility allows devices to operate efficiently at the ultra-high frequencies necessary for modern wireless communication, including 5G infrastructure.
GaAs devices are also more resistant to temperature fluctuations and radiation damage than silicon, making them suitable for specialized aerospace and defense applications. Another rapidly growing application is the use of Gallium Nitride (GaN), a wide bandgap semiconductor that has revolutionized power electronics. GaN devices can handle higher voltages and temperatures while switching much faster than silicon. This leads to greater energy efficiency and smaller form factors. This material is now found in high-efficiency LEDs, power converters for electric vehicles, and compact, fast-charging wall adapters.
Global Supply Chain and Price Influencers
Gallium’s price volatility results from its unusual production method and the concentrated nature of its global supply chain. The metal is not extracted from dedicated mines; instead, it is recovered as a trace byproduct during the refinement of bauxite, the main ore used to produce aluminum. Smaller amounts are also sourced from the processing of zinc ores.
Because its production is tied to the output of the global aluminum industry, the supply of gallium is inflexible and slow to respond to sudden changes in demand. The world’s supply of primary, low-purity gallium has been dominated by China, which accounts for about 98% of the global output. This near-monopoly creates a significant bottleneck in the supply chain for advanced economies.
This concentration means that geopolitical actions can instantly impact the global price. For example, when China announced export controls on gallium in July 2023, the price outside of the country surged, creating a dual-pricing system and highlighting the fragility of the supply chain. These policy decisions introduce a security premium into the price of gallium, making the cost per ounce highly variable and susceptible to future international trade tensions.