Bismuth

What is Bismuth?

Bismuth is a chemical element with the symbol Bi and atomic number 83. It is a brittle metal that belongs to the pnictogen group of elements. Bismuth has a low melting point and expands as it solidifies, making it useful in certain alloys and applications requiring precise casting. Bismuth has unique physical properties, such as its high diamagnetic effect (ability to repel magnetic fields) and low thermal and electrical conductivity. It is often used in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and metallurgy. In gemology, bismuth compounds are sometimes used as an iridescent coating for gemstones to create colorful surface effects. Bismuth is considered relatively non-toxic and has low environmental impact, making it a preferred alternative to other heavy metals in certain applications.