Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Bismuth (refined metal) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | Bi |
| Mohs hardness | 2–2.5 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| You receive | The exact specimen pictured |
About this specimen
A substantial 1-kilogram chunk of high-purity (99.99%) bismuth metal, showcasing the striking natural stair-step crystal faces and vivid iridescent oxide sheen that make bismuth one of the most visually dramatic specimens in any mineral collection. Unlike the rainbow-hued lab-grown bismuth ‘castles’ often sold as decor, this piece is a dense, unrefined chunk straight from the smelted ingot — heavy in the hand, with a rugged, faceted metallic surface that catches light in shifting blues, golds, and purples wherever a thin oxide layer has formed.
Bismuth is a brittle, diamagnetic metal that expands slightly as it cools from a melt, which is what produces its characteristic angular, staircase-like crystal terraces. At 99.99% purity, this chunk is well-suited for collectors, rockhounds, or hobbyists who want a large, genuine sample of the raw material before it’s cut, polished, or recrystallized into decorative pieces.
At a full kilo, this is a substantial, weighty specimen — a real conversation piece for a mineral shelf or desk. Ships securely bagged and labeled exactly as pictured.
Bismuth: the science
- The rainbow on bismuth crystals is a thin oxide layer, and its thickness decides the color, like oil on water.
- Bismuth melts at about 271 °C, low enough to melt on a stovetop, which makes it popular for home crystal growing.
- Bismuth is unusually non-toxic for a heavy metal and is an active ingredient in some stomach medicines.
Go deeper
Want the full story on bismuth: how it forms, how to identify it, and what makes a great specimen?
Questions about this piece
What is bismuth?
Bismuth is a heavy, brittle metal. This is refined 99.99% bismuth, the same metal used to grow the stair-stepped rainbow “hopper” crystals collectors love.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 2–2.5 on the Mohs scale. Soft and brittle. Handle with dry hands and store dry to limit tarnish.
Is this the exact piece I will receive?
Yes. This listing was photographed individually, and you receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
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