Other Minor Metals
Specialized Industrial Solutions
A minor metal is a metal that is produced in relatively small quantities (typically as a by-product of mining major metals like copper, zinc, or aluminum) and has specialized industrial applications. These metals are not traded in the same high volumes as major base metals (e.g., copper, iron, aluminum), but they are often critical for high-tech, energy, and manufacturing industries.
Product Overview
What is minor metals?
Minor metals are a diverse group of elements (not traded on major exchanges like base metals) critical to modern technology, including electronics, aerospace, renewable energy, and medical applications. They are often byproducts of other mining operations, making their supply chains unique and sometimes challenging.
Key Characteristics
- Definition: Historically, "minor metals" referred to those not traded on formal exchanges (though some, like cobalt, now are). They generally have low annual production volumes compared to base metals.
- Applications: They are essential components in specialized alloys and advanced materials crucial for high-tech industries.
- Supply Chain: Their production is often tied to the primary production of other metals (e.g., indium is a byproduct of zinc mining), which means their supply cannot easily scale up independently in response to demand spikes.
- Classification: They can be further categorized by their end uses, such as "electronic metals," "power metals" (used in solar cells/wind turbines), "structural metals," and "performance metals". They are often considered "strategic" or "critical raw materials" due to their importance to national defense and risk of supply disruption.
Quick Specifications
Available Minor Metals
Bismuth
Low-toxicity metal
for specialized applications
Bismuth
99.99%Non-toxic alternative to lead for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and specialized alloys with unique thermal properties.
Antimony
Essential metalloid for flame retardants
Antimony
99.9%Critical metalloid for flame retardants, battery hardening, and semiconductor applications.
Indium
Critical for touchscreens and displays
Indium
99.99%Essential for touchscreen technology, LCD displays, and advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
Gallium
Essential for LED technology
Gallium
99.9999%Critical for LED manufacturing, high-frequency electronics, and advanced semiconductor devices.
Tellurium
Critical for solar
and thermoelectric devices
Tellurium
99.9%Specialized applications in solar panels, thermoelectric devices, and steel machinability enhancement.
Selenium
Essential for glass and electronics
Selenium
99.9%Important for glass manufacturing, electronics, and photoconductivity applications.
Key Applications
Electronics & Semiconductors
Critical components for smartphones, computers, and advanced electronic devices requiring high-performance materials.
Solar Energy
Essential materials for high-efficiency solar panels and photovoltaic systems in renewable energy applications.
LED & Display Technology
Critical materials for LED lighting, OLED displays, and advanced screen technologies in consumer electronics.
Medical & Pharmaceutical
Specialized applications in medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Aerospace & Defense
High-performance materials for aerospace components, defense systems, and specialized military applications.
Key Advantages
Ultra-High Purity
Exceptional purity levels up to 99.999% for critical applications requiring the highest quality standards.
Specialized Properties
Unique physical and chemical properties that enable breakthrough technologies and innovative applications.
Global Supply Chain
Reliable sourcing and supply chain management ensuring consistent availability of rare and specialty metals.
Technical Expertise
Comprehensive technical support and application guidance from our team of materials science experts.
Technical Specifications
| Metal | Symbol | Purity (%) | Melting Point (°C) | Density (g/cm³) | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismuth | Bi | 99.9-99.99 | 271 | 9.78 | Pharmaceuticals, Alloys |
| Antimony | Sb | 99.5-99.9 | 631 | 6.68 | Flame Retardants, Batteries |
| Indium | In | 99.99-99.999 | 157 | 7.31 | Touchscreens, Solar Panels |
| Gallium | Ga | 99.99-99.999 | 30 | 5.91 | LEDs, Semiconductors |
| Tellurium | Te | 99.9-99.99 | 450 | 6.24 | Solar Panels, Thermoelectrics |
| Selenium | Se | 99.5-99.9 | 221 | 4.81 | Glass, Electronics |
| Germanium | Ge | 99.999 | 938 | 5.32 | Fiber Optics, Infrared |
| Rhenium | Re | 99.9-99.99 | 3186 | 21.02 | Superalloys, Catalysts |
Need Specialized Minor Metal Solutions?
Get expert consultation, competitive quotes, and reliable delivery for all your minor metal requirements. Our technical team provides comprehensive application support and material guidance.