gallium the 31st element
Gallium The 31st Element Paul-Emile Leqoc de Boisbaudran discovered gallium in 1875 in Paris, France using a spectroscope. Later in that same year, he obtained a sample of pure gallium through electrolysis of a solution of gallium hydroxide in potassium hydroxide. Although de Boisbaudran discovered gallium, Mendeleev predicted its existence in 1871. His proposed descriptions of gallium, which he called ekaaluminium, were startling close to the actual element, today. Mendeleev suggested that gallium should resemble aluminum in appearance and traits. The word gallium comes from Gallia, meaning “France”. Gallium is the 31st element and has an atomic weight of 69.