Bismuth

Bismuth, with the chemical symbol Bi and atomic number 83, captivates with its unusual properties and diverse applications. It was discovered in the 18th century by Claude Geoffroy the Younger. On Earth, bismuth is relatively rare, constituting about 0.009 ppm of the Earth's crust.

Bismuth is primarily obtained as a byproduct of zinc and lead mining, with China, Mexico, and Peru being leading production countries. The production of pure bismuth involves the reduction of bismuth compounds, followed by refining processes.

Interestingly, bismuth has various medical applications, particularly in gastroenterology, where bismuth salts are used to treat stomach issues. Additionally, it finds utility in electronics, as an alloy component, and in cosmetics. Bismuth also has the unique property of expanding instead of contracting upon solidification.