Native bismuth (Bi) is metallic bismuth in its pure crystalline form, famous for the laboratory-grown rainbow-colored “hopper crystals” — but natural specimens are also collector classics. It forms in hydrothermal Sn-W-Bi vein deposits and Co-Ni-Ag-As “five-element” assemblages. Australian and Bolivian deposits supply native specimens.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 2–2.5.
- Trigonal; staircase “hopper” crystal habit when crystallized in voids.
- Pinkish-silver fresh; oxidizes to iridescent rainbow patina.
- Associated with bismuthinite (Bi₂S₃) and other Bi sulfosalts.
- Most diamagnetic of all metals.
Notable Localities
Wolfram Camp (Queensland) and San Baldomero (Bolivia) yield collector crystals. Cobalt (Ontario, Canada) supplies dendritic specimens.
Found at these Localities
- Erzgebirge / Krušné Hory (埃尔茨山脉/克鲁什内山(德捷边境矿带))
