mineral

Native bismuth

Bismuth (Bi), commonly with a naturally oxidized surface

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Silvery-white to gray metal with strong metallic luster; Mohs hardness 2–2.5, brittle, very heavy (specific gravity about 9.8), and crystallizes in the trigonal system. The rough, granular form and dense appearance are consistent with native bismuth, though the specimen may be partly processed.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Native bismuth forms in hydrothermal veins and late-stage cavities associated with tin, tungsten, lead, and silver deposits, commonly in granitic environments. Most collector specimens formed during Phanerozoic hydrothermal mineralization rather than as a single globally defined age.

Uses & applications

Primarily valued as a mineral specimen; bismuth is used in low-melting alloys, solders, pharmaceuticals, pigments, and environmentally safer lead substitutes. It has little conventional jewelry use because it is soft and brittle.

Geological facts

Bismuth is the heaviest naturally occurring stable element and is weakly radioactive only through an extremely long-lived isotope. Heated or recrystallized bismuth can form spectacular hopper crystals with iridescent oxide colors.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by exceptional heft, metallic silver-gray color, brittleness, and low hardness; it is nonmagnetic and may leave a gray streak. Common sources include Bolivia, China, Germany, Canada, and Peru; metallic-looking galena is a key look-alike.