Bismuth forms the most beautiful crystals of any metal — iridescent staircase shapes that shimmer with every color of the rainbow. A thin oxide film creates this effect through light interference. Collectors worldwide grow bismuth crystals as art objects.
But bismuth isn't just beauty. It's the heaviest 'practically stable' element: its only isotope Bi-209 is technically radioactive, but with a half-life of 10¹⁹ years — a billion times longer than the age of the Universe. And Pepto-Bismol, made with bismuth subsalicylate, saves millions of stomachs every day.
Unlike lead, mercury, and cadmium, bismuth is practically non-toxic. So it's replacing lead everywhere: in hunting shot, electronics solder, and pigments. The EU banned lead shot near waterways — bismuth shot became the standard.
Low-melting bismuth alloys (like Wood's metal — melts at 70°C) work in fire sprinklers: when heated, the plug melts and water extinguishes the fire automatically.
Bismuth is one of the least toxic heavy metals. Insoluble compounds are practically not absorbed by the body. Bismuth-based medicines have been used for over 200 years. Soluble salts may irritate skin and mucous membranes. When working with powder, ventilation and dust protection are recommended.
Bismuth forms iridescent staircase crystals — one of the most beautiful metals. The colors come from a thin oxide film through light interference.
Bismuth-209 is the 'most stable radioactive isotope'. Half-life — 10¹⁹ years, a billion times longer than the age of the Universe.
Pepto-Bismol is the most famous bismuth preparation. It can temporarily turn your tongue black — that's normal and safe.
Bismuth expands when solidifying — like water. A rare property among metals. That's why its alloys perfectly fill casting molds.
Bismuth replaces toxic lead everywhere: in hunting shot, solder, pigments, and cosmetics. It's practically non-toxic.
| Isotope | Mass (u) | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
209Bi☢ | 208.980399 | 100.00% | 2.01×10¹⁹ years | α |
Demonstration as distinct from lead