News > Gallium Boils at 4,044 Degrees F, But Will Also Melt in Your Hand

Gallium Boils at 4,044 Degrees F, But Will Also Melt in Your Hand

Gallium is a rare, silvery white element that can pull off one of the coolest parlor tricks on the periodic table. At room temperature, gallium is a shiny metallic solid. But hold it in your hands for a few minutes and this solid hunk of metal starts to melt.

In its liquid form, gallium looks a lot like mercury, but gallium isn't toxic like mercury so it's safer to handle (although it can stain your skin).