| Origin of Name |
From the indigo color found in its spectrum |
| Date and Place of Discovery |
In 1863 in Germany |
| Discovered by |
Ferdinand Reich and
Hieronymous Theodor Richter |
| Common Compounds |
|
| Interesting facts |
- It was discovered when Reich and Richter were looking for traces of thallium in
zinc.
- It is malleable, soft and easily fusible.
- Its most common isotope is slightly radioactive, but it is non-toxic.
- It has a bright luster.
- It is as abundant as silver but is much easier to harvest since it usually is found in
zinc, iron, lead and copper ores.
|
| Common Uses |
- High speed bearings
- Rectifiers
- Thermistors
- Photoconductors
- Mirrors
- Low melting allows
- Solders
- Light filter in vapor lamps
- Nuclear control rods
|
