Bismuth Statistics and Information

Bismuth Insights and Data

Pictured: silver-bismuth ore

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

Close up of Bismuthinite — 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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