Bismuth
Real Metals · Uncommon · Modern
Bismuth is arguably the most visually striking of all metals. Slowly cooled from its melt, it forms geometric hopper crystals with a rainbow oxide coating that looks entirely artificial. It is also one of the least toxic heavy metals, making it useful in medicine.
Identity
- Symbol
- Bi
- Atomic number
- 83
- Source
- Natural element
- Aliases
- Bi
Physical Properties
- Appearance
- Silvery-white with a pink tinge when pure; forms spectacular iridescent hopper crystals with rainbow oxide tarnish
- Luster
- Metallic
- Density
- 9.79 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 271 °C
- Boiling point
- 1564 °C
- Lighter
- Voidsteel
- Denser
- Beskar
- Magnetism
- Non-magnetic
- Electrical conductivity
- Low
Mechanical Properties
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Tensile strength
- 7 MPa
- Softer
- Tin
- Harder
- Brass
- Workability
- Easy
- Brittleness
- Brittle
- Malleability
- Very Low
- Ductility
- Very Low
Chemical Properties
- Corrosion resistance
- moderate
- Reactivity
- low
Lore & Narrative
Bismuth was long confused with lead and tin. It was only in the 18th century that chemists established it as a distinct element. Its primary medical use, Pepto-Bismol, makes bismuth the only element with a starring role in stomach medicine.
- Notable uses
- Medicine, low-melting alloys, cosmetics, crystal growing
- Forge uses
- low-melting alloys, cosmetics, medical
- Worldbuilding traits
- iridescent, crystalline, non-toxic, beautiful
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