Gallium is a metal that melts on the palm of the hand due to its low melting point (29.76 C).If you hold a solid gallium crystal in your hand, your body heat will cause it to melt into a silvery metallic puddle slowly. Pour it into a dish, and it freezes back into a solid. Gallium isn’t toxic and won’t make you crazy like mercury does. And if you get tired of it, you can melt it into a glass and make yourself a mirror.
Gallium is not typically found in its pure form in nature but is often extracted as a byproduct from processing other metals, particularly aluminum, zinc, and copper. It has various applications in different industries, including electronics, semiconductors, and medical imaging.
Can You Scrap Gallium?
While it is possible to extract Gallium from certain materials, it’s not something that is commonly done due to the relatively low abundance of gallium in most sources. Additionally, the cost and effort involved in extracting gallium might not be worth it unless you had a much larger amount of material.
When Scrapping Gallium
If you come across materials you suspect might contain Gallium and are considering scrapping it, it’s important to approach the process cautiously. It can be toxic if ingested or inhaled and can cause skin and eye irritation, so make sure to wear proper safety equipment when handling the material.
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