Indium

A scarce metal used in transparent conductive coatings for screens and solar cells, recovered as a zinc by-product.

Definition

A rare metallic element (In, atomic number 49) used in flat-panel displays, touchscreens, solar cells, and semiconductors. Indium is recovered primarily as a by-product of zinc refining, making supply dependent on zinc production levels.

Where people go wrong

There are essentially no primary indium mines. A company presenting indium as its story is describing a credit inside a zinc deposit.

See also

  • Base Metals — Industrial metals that are relatively abundant and oxidize or corrode easily, including copper, zinc, lead, ni…
  • Technology Metals — Metals essential for high-tech applications including electronics, semiconductors, renewable energy, and advan…
  • By-Product Silver — Silver recovered as a secondary metal during the processing of ores primarily mined for other metals such as g…

More metals & materials terms

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