# Indium **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 9, 2005, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indium/334842 "2005-12-09T06:19:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Alvis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Alvis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alvis)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2005, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indium/334842/1 "2005-12-09T06:19:52Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2005, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indium/334842/2 "2005-12-09T06:57:36Z")
> [@](#): > > 1. Hazards Identification > EMERGENCY OVERVIEW > Indium metal is not toxic through skin contact. Ingestion and inhalation of solid metal is unlikely. > Inhalation of indium dusts and oxides which may be released from mechanical operations can adversely affect the lungs. > For short and long term exposure effects see Section 11 Toxicological data > Eye Effects: No irritant effect. Skin Effects: No irritant effect. Ingestion/ Oral Effects: Not established. Inhalation Effects: None for intact seals. Inhalation of dusts and fumes from welding, grinding and other operations may cause swelling and fluid retention in the lungs (edema). Recurrent acute pneumonitis, infections, and associated chronic respiratory insufficiency following exposure may result in death. BOC Edwards is part of BOC Limited Ref 2D01-010 form issue 1.2 The stripe symbol is a trade mark of the BOC Group . P120-04-030 Issue: A Rev Date: Dec-01 Page: 1 of 6 > DCC1 No : 705 > MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET [here – pdf](http://www.bocedwards.com/pdf/P120-04-030_Indium_metal_seals.pdf) ---
**Author:** ![CynicalGabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@CynicalGabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CynicalGabe)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2005, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indium/334842/3 "2005-12-09T07:21:56Z")
Let me know if you succeed in find a place to get it, I’ve been looking for some too. Seriously. ---
**Author:** ![Imasquare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Imasquare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Imasquare)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2005, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indium/334842/4 "2005-12-09T08:17:22Z")
[This company](http://www.exportmetals.com/) says it can supply Indium, but they are in China so might be too expensive for you to import a small amount. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2005, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indium/334842/5 "2005-12-09T13:21:33Z")
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.