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It is considered a post-transition metal as it shares some characteristics with transition metals such as copper, lead, iron, zinc and gold, but it has a particularly low melting point. It also has low thermal conductivity as well as electrical conductivity. But it has the greatest electrical resistance when placed in a magnetic field, and this is called the Hall Effect
Bismuth decays into thallium, but has an extremely long half-life - about 20 billion years!
In 1753, French chemist Claude Geoffroy the Younger was able to prove bismuth was distinct from lead. It was named "weissmuth" after the element's white oxide.
The largest source of bismuth is found in the mineral bismuthinite but is typically obtained as a by-product in refining lead, copper, tin, silver and gold ores found in Bolivia, Peru, Japan, Mexico, and Canada.
It has a silver color when first produced, and oxidizes upon contact with the air, which creates the shimmery colors.
Bismuth atoms prefer to attach to the edge of the growing crystals rather than the face. The crystal never fills in, so they form in geometric steps.
Bismuth subsalicylate is better known as Pepto-Bismol.
Bismuth oxychloride is used in lipstick, eye shadow, and nail polish for its shiny quality.
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