Discovered by Reich and Richter, who later isolated the metal.
Indium is most frequently associated with zinc materials, and it is from these that most commercial indium is now obtained; however, it is also found in iron, lead, and copper ores.
Until 1924, a gram or so constituted the world's supply of this element in isolated form.
It is probably about as abundant as silver.
About 4 million troy ounces of indium are now produced annually in the Free World.
Canada is presently producing more than 1,000,000 troy ounces annually.
The present cost of indium is about $1 to $5/g, depending on quantity and purity.
It is available in ultrapure form.
Indium is a very soft, silvery-white metal with a brilliant luster.
The pure metal gives a high-pitched "cry" when bent.
It wets glass, as does gallium.
It has found application in making low-melting allows; an allow of 24% indium - 76% gallium is liquid at room temperature.
It is used in making bearing alloys, germanium transistors, rectifiers, thermistors, and photoconductors.
It can be plated onto metal and evaporated onto glass, forming a mirror as good as that made with silver but with more resistance to atmospheric corrosion.
There is evidence that indium has a low order of toxicity; however, care should be taken until further information is available.
