Bismuth is a high-density metal related to fusible, it is notable for frangibility (easy to grind into powder), and it is not given to toughness. In smelting its density increases, i.e., when it solidifies, it increases in volume. The metal ranks as rare: so its content in the earth's crust is inappreciable (in comparison – it is 400 thousand times less than aluminium). Bismuth is mined from non-ferrous and noble metal ores, as well as bismuth ores. Its mining is limited accordingly. Under ordinary conditions, it has a silver color with a faint tinge of pink.
A distinctive feature of this material can also be called the fact that it is the strongest diamagnetic (this indicates its ability to push off from both magnetic poles), i.e., its magnetic susceptibility is 1.34 x 10-9.
Bismuth is endowed with unique properties that are rarely found in similar quantities in other minerals. Therefore, this metal is widely used in various areas of modern industry:
With the "participation" of bismuth, on its basis are also produced: glasses with a significant refractive effect, semiconductor and ceramic electronic materials, and much more. Alloys of this metal are also used as heat carriers.
