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What is Bismuth? Origin / Meaning of the name Bismuth
The name originates from
the German word 'wissmuth' meaning 'white mass',
due to its appearance. The
New Latin word 'bisemutum' from which the name Bismuth was
ultimately derived is a translation of the German word Wismuth.
What is Bismuth? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Bismuth Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States
of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Bismuth
classified
in the 'Other Metals' section which can be located in
groups 13, 14, and 15 of the Periodic Table. All of these elements
are solid, have a relatively high density and are opaque.
Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are
classified as metals which are detailed in the
List of Metals.
What is Bismuth? Facts about the Discovery and History of the Bismuth
Element
Bismuth was used in Ancient
times and used by the ancient Asians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans
and Chinese. Bismuth was described in writings attributed to
Basilius Valentinus around 1450 but was discovered by
Claude Geoffrey Junine in
1753.
What is Bismuth? Occurrence of the Bismuth Element
Bismuth is usually found in the uncombined form in nature. It
also occurs as oxide and sulphide. Most of the bismuth of
commerce comes from Saxony, and from Mexico and Colorado, but it
is not an abundant element.
From bismuthinite and
bismite ores
Produced in USA, Canada, South America and Japan
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe
7×10-8%
% in Sun 1×10-6%
% in Meteorites 6.9×10-6%
% in Earth's Crust 2.5×10-6%
% in Oceans 2×10-9%
% in Humans N/A
Medical Uses of
Bismuth - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on
the Medical Uses of Bismuth, Health and Treatments. Bismuth is a
substance used in medicines to treat diarrhea, nausea, and
indigestion. When Bismuth is combined with some other elements,
such as oxygen, numerous salts are produced which are used in
the manufacture of many pharmaceutical substances.
Associated Uses of Bismuth
Pharmaceuticals
Fuses
Fire detection
Magnets
Bismuth oxychloride |