Density
7.31 g/cm³ (at 20 °C)
Discovery
Indium was discovered in 1863 by Ferdinand Reich and Hieronymus Theodor Richter while they were searching for thallium in zinc ores.
Common Uses
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Used to make indium tin oxide (ITO), which is a transparent conductive coating used in LCD and OLED screens.
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Used in low-melting-point alloys, especially solders.
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Used in some specialized alloys for bearings and seals.
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Used in some types of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
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Used as a coating in some optical mirrors.
Interesting Facts
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Indium is a very soft, silvery-white metal that can be scratched with a fingernail.
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When bent, indium makes a high-pitched "cry," similar to tin, due to crystal twinning.
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The name "indium" comes from the indigo blue line in its atomic emission spectrum.
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The demand for indium has increased significantly due to its use in touchscreens and flat-panel displays.
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