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Bismuth (Synthetic Crystal)

Bismuth (Synthetic Crystal)

Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Alchemist-hp" title="User:Alchemist-hp">Alchemist-hp</a> (<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Alchemist-hp" title="User talk:Alchemist-hp"><span class="signature-talk">talk</span></a>) (<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.pse-mendelejew.de">www.pse-mendelejew.de</a>) (FAL)

Mineral NameBismuth (Synthetic Crystal)
Chemical FormulaBi
Mohs Hardness2.25
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak ColorSilvery-gray
CleavagePerfect on {0001}
FractureUneven
Specific Gravity9.78
Colorsiridescent rainbow, silvery-white, pinkish
TransparencyOpaque
Type LocalitySynthetic (laboratory grown)
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Usescollector's item, alloys, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics

Description

A striking, complex hopper crystal of bismuth, characterized by its stepped, geometric growth and a vibrant iridescent surface displaying a rainbow of colors due to a thin oxidation layer.

Geological Context

This specimen is a synthetic crystal, grown under controlled laboratory conditions. Naturally occurring bismuth is found as a native element in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites, often associated with other metallic minerals.

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