Bismuth and Bismuth Alloys

Abstract Bismuth is a very brittle, silvery metal having a high metallic luster. It is next to lead in the periodic table of elements. Bismuth is considered nontoxic despite the fact that it has a heavy‐metal status. Bismuth is a minor metal in that it is usually mined as a by‐product and not for its own intrinsic value. It is usually a by‐product of copper or lead ores. However there are two mines that mine bismuth ore, one is in China and the other is the Tasna mine in Bolivia.The United States ceased production of bismuth in 1997. Bismuth is recovered by the Betterton‐Kroll process, Betts electrolytic process, and is recovered from tin concentrates. Bismuth has a wide variety of applications. It is used for metallurgical additives, in pharmaceuticals and in fusible alloys, solders, and ammunitions, Bismuth is used in over‐the‐counter stomach remedies and is thus considered safe. Bismuth alloys are discussed in detail.