Indium is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the group of elements known as post-transition metals. It has the chemical symbol In and atomic number 49. Indium is primarily used in electronics, particularly in the production of indium tin oxide, which is essential for touchscreens and flat-panel displays. Discovered in 1863 by Friedrich Reich and Theodor Richter, indium is relatively rare in the Earth's crust. It is often obtained as a byproduct of mining other metals, such as zinc and lead. Indium is known for its low melting point and excellent conductivity, making it valuable in various industrial applications.