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#83 Bi - Bismuth

Discovered in: 15th Century

Discovered by: Unknown

Description: The meaning of the name is unknown but its origins are German. Bismuth is a brittle, pinkish-silver metal that is stable in air and water but reacts with some acids. Bismuth, shares a property with water and gallium, it is less dense as a solid than as a liquid. It conducts heat and electricity poorly. Bismuth has a number of uses, including alloys (usually with iron), pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is also used in thermocouples, catalysts, as a carrier for uranium fuel in nuclear reactors, in fire detection devices, and fire extinguishers. It often is used in stomach medicines for ulcer treatments, and as a hemorrhoid ointment.

Biological Rating: No known benefits for life processes in plants and animals. Biological Benefits: Bismuth has no known biological use

Percentage Amount in the Human Body: Near 0 %

Obtained from: Bismuth is often found in pure native form, as well as in the mineral bismuthinite. It is chiefly obtained as a by-product of copper, lead, tungsten and molybdenum processing. It is mined in China, Mexico, Peru, Australia, Japan, and Bolivia.

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