gallium

  What is gallium?

Gallium is a chemical element with the symbol Ga and atomic number 31. It’s a soft, silvery metal that sits in group 13 of the periodic table, below aluminum.

  Is it a rare earth?

No, gallium is not a rare earth element. It’s a metal in group 13 of the periodic table, classified as a post-transition metal, alongside aluminum and indium. 

  What is it used for?

Electronics: Gallium arsenide and gallium nitride are vital for semiconductors in LEDs, solar cells, 5G telecom, and high-frequency circuits. For example, gallium-based chips power smartphones, satellites, and military radar systems.

  Where does it comes from?

China ~90% (630 metric tons)

Russia ~5% (35 metric tons)

Japan ~3% (21 metric tons)

South Korea ~1% (7 metric tons)

  What kind of ore is it found in?

Bauxite, Primary source (~95%) Aluminum ore; contains 10–50 ppm gallium.