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whats inside my thermometer?

I have a thermometer that has a silvery liquid inside it, but the back of the bottle said it is mercury-free. I am going a project on the element mercury (Hg) and I needed some mercury as an example to show my class. Since the liquid inside the thermometer is not mercury, I was wondering if it is a sumstance that might still have some similar properties that might be like Mercury’s such as beading together. Also, it would be apprecieated if i could know where i can get real mercury and if u can, tell me the price too. I need it fast, though, so i can’t order online. Thanx, and please give me some ideas of whats inside my thermometer.
I went to the website of the manufactures of the thermometer, and i realize that the material is gallium. It does have certain similarities to mercury, so I was thinking that if I put it in water, it will bead up like mercury. Now my only concern is that if gallium is as dangerous as mercury, and what kind of precautions should I take when handling it.

You can order mercury through Flinn Scientific if you are a certified Science Teacher, 50g goes for $8.35 (100g $11.50, 454g $30.91)

But be careful Many States have banned the purchase use, and strorage of murcury in schools. Due to its HIGHLY toxic nature.
I know in my state if we broke ANY murcury containing device the school would be evecuated and HAZMAT would need to be called.

I have no idea what is inside the thermomiter most non-murcury thermomiters are now red or blackish colored and are alcohols.

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