Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/42914481@N00">David Abercrombie</a> (CC BY-SA 2.0)
trigonaluncommonNative Elements
Bismuth
Bi
This image features a synthetic bismuth crystal displaying vibrant, iridescent rainbow colors due to a thin oxide layer. It exhibits characteristic stepped, hollow 'hopper' crystal formations, a result of rapid growth from a melt.
Bismuth Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.25Crystal System
trigonalLuster
metallicStreak Color
silvery-whiteCleavage
perfect on {0001}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
9.78Colors
silvery-white, pinkish, iridescentTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Bolivia, Australia, Germany, China (natural occurrences); synthetic crystals are widely produced.Mineral Group
Native ElementsUses
alloys, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lead-free solders, collector specimensAssociated Minerals
arsenopyrite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyriteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Naturally, bismuth occurs as a native element in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and contact metamorphic deposits, often associated with other metal ores. The specimen shown is a synthetic crystal, formed by cooling ultrapure bismuth from a melt, which allows for the formation of its characteristic hopper crystal habit and iridescent oxide layer.
