Bismuth

Bismuth (element no. 83) is one of the weirdest elements. Though encircle in the periodic table by other heavy elements with infamous toxicological history, Bismuth is considered least toxic of these metals.

Bismuth is known for many strange properties - this video demonstrates its massive diamagnetic behavior:
Bismuth is repelled by magnets but for demonstration it is recommended to use rare-earth magnets, as kitchen-magnets are all too week.

Bismuth is rather expensive but for educational purposes it is worth consideration. For electromagnetic, physical, chemical and artistic purposes it is eminent.
For artwork and metal casting it is a wonderful replacement for the toxic Lead (Pb). Furthermore Bismuth forms low melting alloys with many other metals. In its pure form it is very brittle, with a reddish luster. Cooled slowly it forms large, beautiful crystals, covered with oxide layers in the colors of the rainbow.

Etching the surface to see the crystals can be done in a dilute solution of hydrochloride to which is added a small amount of hydrogenperoxide (1 part of HCL poured slowly in 3-5 parts of water. Then you add 1 part of 35-40% H2O2).
Dipping a piece of slowly cooled Bismuth in this solution will remove the oxide and reveal the beautiful crystals. The slower the cooling process is, the larger the crystal will be.

Enjoy the fun!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• bismuth
• vismut
• elements
• physic
• fysik
• science
• diamagnetism
• magnetism
• antigravity
• alloy
• magnetisme
• magnet
• heavy
• metal

[silverbird58]

where can i get some to play with ? thanks / dave.

[jorgenskyt]

It all depends on where you live, how much you want and how you want to play with it!?

[KarbineKyle]

Bismuth is actually radioactive. It is non-toxic for the most part, but it was thought to have been stable. It's natural isotope is Bismuth-209, which decays VERY SLOWLY by Alpha emission to Thallium-205, with a Half-Life of 19-20x10^18, which is far older than our age of the universe. Even though it was found to be radioactive several years ago, it is still treated as a stable element, and it's radioactivity is very weak. Very Nice!

[RyuDarragh]

It's called "Diamagentism". The crystals have cooper pair binding sites like a "Ferromagnetic" material, but they react 180 degrees to the applied magnetic field unlike a ferromagnet, which reacts in line with it. Result is the magnetic fields are the same polarity as the applied field. N to N, as it were. "Ferromagnetic" materials go N to S and are attracted. If an alloy can boost this effect the way Neodymium and Boron can for Iron, then maglev without superconductors can be made practical.

[Johnsavag]

@jorgenskyt It should say the least toxic of HEAVY metals

[UKnowMe327]

its has slightly less electrons that it should, making it positively charged being repelled by your magnet.

[roidroid]

which is more diamagnetic, Bismuth or Pyrolytic Carbon?

[freakin1random]

all diamagnetic (non magnetic) materials repel magnetic fields. You can even do that with water.

[sypha0x]

Bismuth Germanate is also used to detect Gamma Rays (BGO) as scintillators