Gallium (Ga)
Mendeleev predicted the existence of gallium (described as ekaaluminum), and it was discovered in 1875. Gallium is usually found in diaspore, sphalerite, germanite, bauxite, and coal.
Ultra-pure gallium is silvery, and the solid metal fractures somewhat like glass. It is used in low-melting alloys with most metals. Because Gallium expands as it solidifies it should be stored in a flexible container.
Gallium can be liquid near room temperature, making it useful in high-temperature thermometers. It also tends to supercool below its freezing point.
Gallium forms a mirror when painted on glass and is widely used in semiconductors, transistors, and other solid-state devices.
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