Bismuth, Bi (83)
Bismuth is produced during the refining of copper, zinc, tungsten and lead. It has numerous uses in the metallurgical as well as in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Bismuth is used in fire sprinkler systems, machining steels, hot-dip galvanizing processes, greases and lubricants, thermo-electric devices, and flame-retardants. Bismuth compounds are also used in pharmceutical stomach preparations, where their anti-bacterial properties are beneficial, and in personal care cosmetics for their pearlescent effect in lip glosses and eye shadows. Bismuth is a strong contender as a lead substitute in uses such as X-ray shielding, solders, and plumbing brasses.
Bismuth metal is typically available as shot (also referred to as granules or pellets), powder, ingot, and needles. Purity is 99.99%, with higher purities also available on request.