I’m interested in acquiring a sample of indium metal. I found a supply of indium shot, but would like a solid chunk. Since indium melts at 313F, would reforming it be as simple as heating the shot in a borosilicate glass container on the stove? Is there any danger to such a procedure? Would it be tricky to get the cooled indium out of the glass cookware? Would a cheap IKEA teflon pan be easier to remove the indium from?
Let me know if you succeed in find a place to get it, I’ve been looking for some too. Seriously.
This company says it can supply Indium, but they are in China so might be too expensive for you to import a small amount.
You can get Indium – and most other elements – from chemical suppliers like Alfa Aesar, Sigma, and others. Look on their websites. You can also buy Indium solder (which is mostly indium) in several places.
We used to use indium gaskets for making low-temp thermal connections. It comopresses easily and conducts heat very well. I’ve melted and reformed the indium wire or foil many times. I’d use chemical glassware, though, and avoid using glassware intended for human consumables, just on general principles. Don’t do chemical work where you’re gonna eat.