Making Bismuth Crystals!

Bismuth is a heavy, dense metal located on the bottom right side of the periodic table. It is smack in the middle of the heavy metal toxins, but it is oddly non-toxic. In fact, you are consuming bismuth compounds when you take Pepto-Bismol. It has a low melting point of 271C or 520F, cool enough to melt on your kitchen stovetop. Bismuth freezes to form a complex and beautiful crystalline structure and quickly reacts with oxygen to form a layer of bismuth oxides, giving the crystals their color. Wear a long sleeve shirt and goggles, splashing molten metal on your skin certainly won't feel good. Enjoy!

[JohnLeePettimoreIII]

I have to say that as far as being visually striking, bismuth crystals are at the top of the heap. Beautiful crystals making a wonderful demo. Thank you.

[davesulphate]

My dad recently bought 2kg of Bi (also a chemist) for this purpose so he and I will do this experiment very soon, so thanks for the info! We have thought of a few "improvements" to try so fingers crossed we can get some huge crystals :)