Bismuth /ˈbɪzməθ/ is a chemical element that has the symbol Bi and atomic number 83. This heavy, brittle, white crystalline trivalent other metal has a pink tinge and chemically resembles arsenic and antimony.
Of all the metals, it is the most naturally diamagnetic, and only mercury has a lower thermal conductivity. It is also generally considered as the last naturally occurring non-radioactive element.
Bismuth compounds are used in cosmetics and in medical procedures. As the toxicity of lead has become more apparent in recent years, alloy uses for bismuth metal as a replacement for lead have become an increasing part of bismuth's commercial importance.
List of producing countries
This is a list of bismuth producing countries in 2017.[1] * indicates "Natural resources of COUNTRY" links.
Country (or area) | Bismuth production (tonnes) |
---|---|
World | 14,000 |
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11,000 |
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2,000 |
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540 |
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430 |
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140 |
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25 |
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4 |
References
- ^ "USGS Minerals Information: Mineral Commodity Summaries". minerals.usgs.gov. doi:10.3133/70194932. Retrieved 2019-02-21.