What is Bismuth? Origin / Meaning of the name Bismuth
The name originates from the German word 'wissmuth' meaning 'white mass', due to its appearance. The New Latin word 'bisemutum' from which the name Bismuth was ultimately derived is a translation of the German word Wismuth.
What is Bismuth? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Bismuth Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Bismuth classified in the 'Other Metals' section which can be located in groups 13, 14, and 15 of the Periodic Table. All of these elements are solid, have a relatively high density and are opaque. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.
What is Bismuth? Facts about the Discovery and History of the Bismuth Element
Bismuth was used in Ancient times and used by the ancient Asians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese. Bismuth was described in writings attributed to Basilius Valentinus around 1450 but was discovered by Claude Geoffrey Junine in 1753.
What is Bismuth? Occurrence of the Bismuth Element
Bismuth is usually found in the uncombined form in nature. It also occurs as oxide and sulphide. Most of the bismuth of commerce comes from Saxony, and from Mexico and Colorado, but it is not an abundant element.
From bismuthinite and bismite ores
Produced in USA, Canada, South America and Japan
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 7×10-8%
% in Sun 1×10-6%
% in Meteorites 6.9×10-6%
% in Earth's Crust 2.5×10-6%
% in Oceans 2×10-9%
% in Humans N/A
Medical Uses of Bismuth - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on the Medical Uses of Bismuth, Health and Treatments. Bismuth is a substance used in medicines to treat diarrhea, nausea, and indigestion. When Bismuth is combined with some other elements, such as oxygen, numerous salts are produced which are used in the manufacture of many pharmaceutical substances.
Associated Uses of Bismuth
Pharmaceuticals
Fuses
Fire detection
Magnets
Bismuth Oxychloride