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Bismuth Statistics and Information

By National Minerals Information Center

Statistics and information on the worldwide supply of, demand for, and flow of the mineral commodity bismuth

Close up of Bismuthinite
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
Primary Commodity: Bismuth Primary Commodity Uses: Bismuth is the heaviest of the heavy metals and the only non-toxic one at that. As such, it’s seen a lot of use in replacements for lead, as well as in medications and atomic research.

Bismuth is mainly a byproduct of lead ore processing.  It has a metallic luster and is silver-white with an iridescent tarnish.  Among the heavy metals, it is the heaviest and the only non-toxic.  Bismuth has been used in solders, a variety of other alloys, metallurgical additives, and medications and in atomic research.  In the early 1990s, research began on the evaluation of bismuth as a nontoxic replacement for lead in such uses as ceramic glazes, fishing sinkers, food processing equipment, free-machining brasses for plumbing applications, lubricating greases, and shot for waterfowl hunting.  Since 1997, the United States has been completely dependent on imports for its supply of primary bismuth. 

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