Post-transition metal, group 13
What is indium? Properties, uses, supply and price
Indium (In) is a post-transition metal (atomic number 49) recovered from zinc sulfide ores and used mainly as indium tin oxide in displays. China refines about 70% of the world supply.
Facts from USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 · reviewed 28 October 2026
Indium key facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol, atomic number | In, 49 |
| Group | Post-transition metal, group 13 |
| Main source | Sphalerite (zinc sulfide) |
| World refinery output, 2025 | 1,100 t; China 760 t |
| US consumption, 2025 | 220 t (all imported) |
| Largest use | Indium tin oxide (ITO) coatings |
Where indium comes from
A trace in zinc ore
Indium is most commonly recovered from sphalerite, whose indium content ranges from under 1 ppm to 100 ppm. It also occurs in trace amounts in chalcopyrite and stannite, but recovery from those is mostly uneconomic. Refinery data are limited; USGS estimates output from trade data and zinc and lead smelter production.
What indium is used for
| End use | Weight | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Indium tin oxide (ITO) coatings | Largest | Flat-panel and touch displays |
| Indium phosphide | Growing | 5G fibre-optic lasers and receivers, AI data-centre links |
| Solders, alloys, compounds | Other | Electrical components and semiconductors |
Substitutes and recycling
Substitutes
Antimony tin oxide, carbon nanotubes, PEDOT polymers, copper or silver nanowires and graphene have been developed as ITO alternatives in displays and solar cells; hafnium can replace indium in nuclear control rod alloys (USGS).
Recycling
Indium is most commonly recovered from ITO scrap in Japan and Korea. US recovery from scrap occurs but is not quantified.
Policy and supply security
Chinese controls
China subjected indium to export restrictions in February 2025; exports of unwrought indium fell 72% year on year to September 2025 (Asian Metal, cited by USGS). Indium is not stockpiled by the US government.
Dated events and export-control steps are on the China export-control timeline. Listed companies with exposure: Technology metal stocks.
Indium: frequently asked questions
What is indium used for?
Mostly indium tin oxide, a transparent conductor on flat-panel and touch displays; also indium phosphide for 5G and AI optical networking, and solders.
Where does indium come from?
As a byproduct of zinc smelting. China produced 760 t of 1,100 t world output in 2025, Korea 180 t, Japan 65 t and Canada 40 t.
How much does indium cost?
The reference price is $850.50 per kg as of 27 October 2026, +2.11% year to date.
Related elements
Sources
- U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Indium — February 2026
Information only, not investment advice. Reviewed 28 October 2026.