Proper documentation is essential when buying gallium. Learn what documents you need and how to evaluate them.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
What is a CoA?
A Certificate of Analysis is third-party laboratory verification of gallium composition and purity.
Purpose
- Confirms purity level (4N, 5N, 6N)
- Lists impurities in detail
- Provides third-party verification
- Establishes material authenticity
- Required for professional transactions
Essential Information
Every CoA must include:
-
Lab Information
- Laboratory name
- Accreditation details
- Test date
- Sample ID
-
Chemical Composition
- Gallium percentage
- Trace elements (ppm)
- Total impurities
- Purity grade confirmation
-
Methodology
- Test method used (typically ICP-MS)
- Equipment specifications
- Detection limits
- Validation details
-
Certification
- Lab technician signature
- Lab seal/stamp
- Approval signature
- Certification date
Evaluating Quality
Look For:
- ISO-certified laboratory
- Specific element analysis
- Detection limits documented
- Professional presentation
- Recent test date
Red Flags:
- Vague descriptions
- "Less than" values only
- No lab accreditation
- Unclear methodology
- Old test dates
CoA Interpretation Example
A proper 4N CoA shows:
- Gallium: 99.993%
- Silicon: 2 ppm
- Zinc: 1 ppm
- Iron: <1 ppm
- Copper: 1 ppm
- Total: 100.00%
- Status: PASS
This confirms:
- 4N purity verified
- Acceptable impurity levels
- Professional testing
- Material meets specs
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
What is an SDS?
An SDS provides safety information for material handling (formerly called MSDS).
Purpose
- Identifies hazards
- Outlines safe handling
- Specifies storage requirements
- Details emergency procedures
- Provides legal compliance
Why It Matters
SDS indicates:
- Seller professionalism
- Regulatory compliance
- Safety awareness
- Legal liability management
- Responsible handling
Required Sections
A complete SDS includes 16 sections:
- Identification - Product name, use, supplier
- Hazard Summary - Health and safety risks
- Composition - Chemical information
- First Aid - Emergency procedures
- Fire Fighting - Extinguishing methods
- Accidental Release - Spill procedures
- Handling & Storage - Safe practices
- Exposure Controls - PPE requirements
- Physical Properties - Appearance, state
- Chemical Stability - Reactivity info
- Toxicity - Health effects
- Ecological Impact - Environmental info
- Disposal - Proper disposal procedures
- Transport - Shipping regulations
- Regulatory - Compliance information
- Other - Additional details
Gallium-Specific Notes
Gallium characteristics:
- Non-toxic by ingestion
- Low skin irritation
- No major health hazards
- Temperature sensitivity primary concern
- Minimal hazmat requirements
Obtaining Documents
Before Purchase
Request CoA
- Ask seller directly
- Should be freely provided
- Review for completeness
- Verify lab credentials
- Check test dates
Request SDS
- Standard practice
- Legally required
- Professionally presented
- Multiple sections
- Clear specifications
Red Flags
If seller won't provide:
- Question legitimacy
- Possible quality issues
- Regulatory non-compliance
- Risk indicator
- Consider different supplier
Document Organization
Create Documentation Folder
For each purchase maintain:
-
Purchase Records
- Receipt/invoice
- Payment proof
- Delivery confirmation
- Seller information
-
Testing Documents
- Certificate of Analysis
- Test date
- Lab contact info
- Method specifications
-
Safety Information
- SDS document
- Storage guidelines
- Emergency contacts
- Safety procedures
-
Insurance Records
- Insurance certificate
- Coverage details
- Claim procedures
- Contact information
-
Authentication Notes
- Ingot photographs
- Weight records
- Dimension measurements
- Condition notes
Using Documents for Resale
When selling gallium:
Buyers Will Want:
- Certificate of Analysis
- Storage documentation
- Purchase receipt
- Insurance records
Documents Prove:
- Material authenticity
- Proper purity level
- Professional handling
- Insurance compliance
- Legitimate transaction
Best Practices
Documentation Checklist
- Obtain CoA before purchase
- Verify CoA completeness
- Request SDS documentation
- Save all documents digitally
- Maintain organized files
- Keep backup copies
- Store safely with insurance
- Reference before use
- Update as needed
Key Takeaways
Essential Documents
-
Certificate of Analysis (Required)
- Purity verification
- Impurity specifications
- Third-party confirmation
-
Safety Data Sheet (Required)
- Safety information
- Handling guidelines
- Regulatory compliance
Documentation Requirements
- Obtain before purchase
- Verify authenticity
- Save completely
- Maintain organized
- Update regularly