Physical and chemical properties of gallium
Gallium metallurgy

Gallium is one of four elements (including mercury, cesium and rubidium) that can be liquid at room temperature. In fact, it has a low melting point (29.78°C). However, its boiling point is very high (2,403°C). Once liquefied, it undercools and remains liquid up to around 2,000°C. Its vapor pressure is very low: 10 mm Hg at 1,570°C. Its density at 29.6°C is 5.904 g/cm ³ . In its solid state, the metal is silvery white and soft enough to be cut with a knife.

Gallium wets almost all surfaces. It forms a shiny mirror when deposited on glass or porcelain. It diffuses rapidly into the lattice of certain metals, alloying with most of them. It is a component of low-melting alloys. It is completely...