Bismuth /ˈbɪzməθ/ is a chemical element that has the symbol Bi and atomic number 83. This heavy, brittle, white crystalline trivalent other metal has a pink tinge and chemically resembles arsenic and antimony.
Of all the metals, it is the most naturally diamagnetic, and only mercury has a lower thermal conductivity. It was long considered to be the last naturally occurring non-radioactive element, although it is now known to be very slightly radioactive, with a half-life longer than the estimated heat death of the universe.
Bismuth compounds are used in cosmetics and in medical procedures. As the toxicity of lead has become more apparent in recent years, alloy uses for bismuth metal as a replacement for lead have become an increasing part of bismuth's commercial importance.
List
2017
This is a list of bismuth producing countries in 2017. * indicates "Natural resources of COUNTRY" links.
| Country (or area) | Bismuth production (tonnes) |
|---|---|
| World | 14,000 |
 China * |
11,000 |
 Vietnam * |
2,000 |
 Mexico |
540 |
 Japan * |
430 |
 Kazakhstan * |
140 |
 Canada * |
25 |
 Russia * |
4 |
2022
| Country | Refining |
|---|---|
| China | 16,000 |
| Laos | 2,000 |
| South Korea | 950 |
| Japan | 480 |
| Kazakhstan | 220 |
| Other | 350 |
| Total | 20,000 |
References
- "USGS Minerals Information: Mineral Commodity Summaries". minerals.usgs.gov. doi:10.3133/70194932. Retrieved 2019-02-21.
- Merrill, Adam M. "2023 USGS Minerals Yearbook: Bismuth" (PDF). United States Geological Survey.