Overview
Thallium is a soft, silvery post transition metal known for its high density and historical use in electronics and glass manufacturing.
Properties
It commonly exhibits +1 and +3 oxidation states, is malleable and has a low melting point relative to many transition metals.
Occurrence and Uses
Recovered as a byproduct of lead and zinc refining, thallium has niche uses in specialty glass, infrared detectors and historically in rodenticides now restricted.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotope Tl 205 predominates; thallium and many of its compounds are highly toxic and require strict occupational and environmental controls.