Bismuth

chemistry · metals · elements

Rainbow shimmer. When bismuth oxidizes under heat, it creates a vividly iridescent appearance with rainbow colors. This happens because of thin-film interference, the same thing that makes soap bubbles shine.

Resists magnets. Bismuth is the most diamagnetic element on the periodic table, which means it pushes away magnetic fields more than any other element. This makes it extra special among metals.

Poor heat traveler. Bismuth is one of the least thermally conductive metals known, meaning heat moves through it slowly. It's also one of the most electrically resistive metals, so electricity has a hard time flowing through it.

Silvery and brittle. Fresh bismuth has a beautiful silvery-white color, but a rosy cast develops as it gets exposed to air and oxidizes. Unlike many metals, bismuth is brittle, so it breaks easily rather than bending.