Bismuth

A pair of laboratory-grown bismuth crystals, their stair-stepped, hopper-crystal habit throwing off an intense rainbow of interference colour — violet, gold, teal and crimson shifting with the angle of light across a wafer-thin oxide layer.

Interesting fact

Bismuth is one of the very few substances on Earth that expands as it solidifies rather than contracts (water and gallium are rare others). Its natural crystal habit is a plain metallic silver-white — the vivid rainbow colouring seen here is entirely due to thin-film interference in the oxide skin that forms almost instantly as the molten metal cools in air.

Region of Origin

Origin details to follow.

Availability

We currently hold multiple pieces of this type in a range of sizes. Let us know whether you're after something small and delicate or a larger statement piece when you enquire, and we'll match you with what's in stock.

Enquire — quote ID TA-0005