Bismuth
| Colour | Gray |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 2–2.5 |
| Lustre | Metallic (often iridescent) |
| Streak | Silver-white |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Fracture | Uneven |
| Chemical formula | Bi |
| Specific gravity | 9.7–9.8 |
What is Bismuth?
Bismuth is a chemical element; it has symbol Bi and atomic number 83. It is a post-transition metal and one of the pnictogens, with chemical properties resembling its lighter group 15 siblings arsenic and antimony. Elemental bismuth occurs naturally, and its sulfide and oxide forms are important commercial ores. The free element is 86% as dense as lead. It is a brittle metal with a silvery-white color when freshly produced. Surface oxidation generally gives samples of the metal a somewhat rosy cast. Further oxidation under heat can give bismuth a vividly iridescent appearance due to thin-film
How to identify Bismuth
- Lustre: Metallic (often iridescent).
- Hardness: Mohs 2–2.5 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: Silver-white.
- Habit: Trigonal crystal system.
Bismuth in different forms
Dave Dyet http://www.shutterstone.com http://www.dyet.com · Public domain
Dave Dyet http://www.shutterstone.com http://www.dyet.com · Public domain
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Bismuth?
Bismuth is Mohs 2–2.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Bismuth?
Bismuth is typically gray.