Beyond Atomic Numbers - Every Element Has a Story
69.723
13
4
P Block
Post-Transition Metal
Gallium was discovered in 1875 by the French chemist Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran using spectroscopy. Its discovery confirmed Dmitri Mendeleev's prediction of the missing element "eka-aluminium."
Gallium does not occur freely in nature. It is obtained mainly as a by-product during the extraction of aluminium from bauxite and zinc ores.
Group 13 | Period 4 | P Block | Post-Transition Metal
Gallium is widely used in LEDs, laser diodes, solar cells, integrated circuits, radio-frequency devices and high-speed communication systems.
Arsenic, Nitrogen, Aluminium and Indium
Gallium can penetrate many metals such as aluminium and weaken their crystal structure. Therefore, it must be handled carefully around aluminium objects.
Electronic Configuration: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹
Gallium's unique combination of low melting point and semiconductor properties makes it one of the most valuable elements in modern electronics.
A small piece of gallium placed on your palm will slowly melt into a shiny liquid because your body temperature is higher than its melting point.
Gallium melts at only 29.76°C. It is one of the few metals that can melt simply by being held in your hand, making it a popular demonstration element in chemistry.
Gallium compounds such as gallium nitride (GaN) are used to manufacture bright blue LEDs, white LEDs and laser diodes found in displays, lighting and optical communication.
Gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells are among the most efficient in the world and are widely used in satellites and spacecraft where high performance is essential.
Gallium compounds enable faster electronic devices than conventional silicon in many specialized applications, including radar, 5G communication and satellite technology.
Before gallium was discovered, Dmitri Mendeleev predicted an unknown element below aluminium, which he called "eka-aluminium." He accurately estimated its atomic mass, density and chemical behavior. Gallium's discovery became one of the strongest proofs of the power of the periodic table.
Scientists continue developing gallium-based semiconductors for electric vehicles, quantum computing, high-power electronics and next-generation communication systems.
Gallium is formed inside stars through nucleosynthesis. Although relatively rare, it has become an essential element for advanced technologies that explore the universe.
Mendeleev predicted the existence and many properties of gallium years before it was discovered. When gallium was finally found, its measured properties closely matched his predictions, making it one of the greatest triumphs of the periodic table.