crystal structure. In its liquid state, it becomes silvery white. If enough force is applied, solid gallium may fracture conchoidally. Gallium does not occur as a free element in nature, but rather as gallium(III) compounds in trace amounts in zinc ores (such as sphalerite) and in bauxite.

The melting point of gallium, 29.7646 C, is used as a temperature reference point. One of only four metal