Latest revision as of 14:11, 21 February 2025

Thallium[edit]

Hutchinsonite, a thallium-containing mineral

Thallium is a chemical element with the symbol Tl and atomic number 81. It is a soft, malleable metal that can be cut with a knife. Thallium is found in trace amounts in the Earth's crust and is primarily obtained as a byproduct of refining heavy metal sulfide ores.

Properties[edit]

Thallium is a post-transition metal that is not found free in nature. It is a member of the boron group and shares some properties with the other elements in this group, such as aluminium and gallium. Thallium is highly toxic and must be handled with care.

Physical Properties[edit]

Thallium is a soft, gray post-transition metal that resembles lead in appearance. It is highly malleable and can be easily cut with a knife. Thallium has a melting point of 304 °C and a boiling point of 1,473 °C.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Thallium is highly reactive and forms a variety of compounds. It readily oxidizes in air to form a dull gray oxide layer. Thallium compounds are often used in the electronics industry and in the production of special glasses.

Occurrence[edit]

Thallium is not found in its free form in nature. It is typically found in trace amounts in sulfide ores of heavy metals such as copper, lead, and zinc. Thallium is also found in some minerals, such as hutchinsonite, which contains thallium, lead, and arsenic.

Uses[edit]

Thallium has several applications, although its use is limited due to its toxicity. It is used in the electronics industry for the production of semiconductors and in the manufacture of special glass with a high refractive index. Thallium is also used in some medical imaging processes.

Toxicity[edit]

Thallium is highly toxic and can cause serious health effects if ingested or inhaled. It interferes with the function of several enzymes and can cause damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Thallium poisoning can occur through exposure to thallium compounds or through environmental contamination.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|A comprehensive overview of thallium, its properties, uses, and health effects}}
+= Thallium =
+[[File:Hutchinsonite-131710.jpg|thumb|right|Hutchinsonite, a thallium-containing mineral]]
-==Thallium==
-[[File:Thallium.jpg|thumb|right|Thallium is a soft, malleable metal.]]
 Thallium is a chemical element with the symbol '''Tl''' and atomic number 81. It is a soft, malleable metal that can be cut with a knife. Thallium is found in trace amounts in the Earth's crust and is primarily obtained as a byproduct of refining heavy metal sulfide ores.
-==Properties==
+== Properties ==
-Thallium is a post-transition metal that exhibits a bluish-gray hue. It is highly reactive and tarnishes when exposed to air, forming a dull oxide layer. Thallium is known for its high density and low melting point, which is 304 °C (579 °F). It is also diamagnetic and has a relatively low electrical conductivity compared to other metals.
+Thallium is a post-transition metal that is not found free in nature. It is a member of the [[boron group]] and shares some properties with the other elements in this group, such as [[aluminium]] and [[gallium]]. Thallium is highly toxic and must be handled with care.
+=== Physical Properties ===
+Thallium is a soft, gray post-transition metal that resembles [[lead]] in appearance. It is highly malleable and can be easily cut with a knife. Thallium has a melting point of 304 °C and a boiling point of 1,473 °C.
+[[File:Thallium_rod_corroded.jpg|thumb|left|Corroded thallium rod]]
+=== Chemical Properties ===
+Thallium is highly reactive and forms a variety of compounds. It readily oxidizes in air to form a dull gray oxide layer. Thallium compounds are often used in the electronics industry and in the production of special glasses.
+== Occurrence ==
+Thallium is not found in its free form in nature. It is typically found in trace amounts in [[sulfide]] ores of heavy metals such as [[copper]], [[lead]], and [[zinc]]. Thallium is also found in some minerals, such as [[hutchinsonite]], which contains thallium, lead, and arsenic.
-==Occurrence and Production==
+== Uses ==
-Thallium is not found free in nature. It is typically extracted from minerals such as [[crookesite]], [[lorandite]], and [[hutchinsonite]]. The primary method of obtaining thallium is through the processing of lead and zinc ores, where it is recovered as a byproduct. The metal is also found in trace amounts in coal and is released into the environment during coal combustion.
-==Uses==
+Thallium has several applications, although its use is limited due to its toxicity. It is used in the electronics industry for the production of semiconductors and in the manufacture of special glass with a high refractive index. Thallium is also used in some medical imaging processes.
-[[File:Thallium-iodide.jpg|thumb|left|Thallium iodide is used in high-intensity discharge lamps.]]
-Thallium has several industrial applications due to its unique properties. It is used in the production of electronic devices, optical lenses, and low-temperature thermometers. Thallium sulfate, a compound of thallium, was historically used as a rodenticide and insecticide, although its use has been largely discontinued due to its toxicity.
-Thallium iodide is used in high-intensity discharge lamps, which are employed in street lighting and projectors. These lamps produce light with excellent color rendering properties.
+== Toxicity ==
-==Health Effects==
+Thallium is highly toxic and can cause serious health effects if ingested or inhaled. It interferes with the function of several enzymes and can cause damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Thallium poisoning can occur through exposure to thallium compounds or through environmental contamination.
-Thallium is highly toxic and poses significant health risks. It can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Thallium poisoning can lead to symptoms such as hair loss, nerve damage, and organ failure. Due to its toxicity, thallium compounds are handled with extreme caution in industrial settings.
-==Safety and Regulations==
+== Related pages ==
-Due to its toxicity, the use of thallium is strictly regulated in many countries. Safety measures include the use of protective equipment and proper ventilation in workplaces where thallium is present. Environmental regulations also limit the release of thallium into the environment to prevent contamination of water and soil.
-==Related pages==
+* [[Lead]]
-* [[Periodic table]]
+* [[Boron group]]
-* [[Heavy metals]]
+* [[Sulfide mineral]]
-* [[Toxicology]]
-* [[Industrial safety]]
 [[Category:Chemical elements]]
-[[Category:Metals]]
+[[Category:Post-transition metals]]
 [[Category:Toxicology]]

Thallium: Difference between revisions