How Much Does Bismuth Cost Per Pound?

Bismuth is a post-transition metal with distinctive properties. It typically appears as a silvery-white, brittle substance with a subtle pinkish hue. This metal exhibits a relatively low melting point and is diamagnetic, meaning it is repelled by magnetic fields. Bismuth also possesses low thermal conductivity. Its growing industrial relevance stems from these characteristics, particularly its non-toxic profile.

Current Market Price

The cost of bismuth per pound fluctuates due to market forces. In July 2025, the price for 99.99% pure bismuth ingots delivered to the United States hovered around $13 to $14 per pound. This reflects a significant moderation from earlier in 2025, when prices experienced surges, reaching approximately $55 per pound in the U.S. and $40 per pound in Europe by March 2025. These sharp increases highlight the metal’s price volatility, affected by shifts in supply or demand.

Pricing also varies based on purity levels, with higher grades such as 99.999% or 5N-6N commanding premium prices compared to 99.9% purity. The physical form of bismuth, whether ingots, powder, or specialized crystals, influences its cost due to processing. For instance, small quantities purchased from online retailers for hobbyist use might be around $30 per pound for 99.99% pure ingots. For current pricing, consult commodity market data, industrial metal suppliers, or specialized online marketplaces.

Factors Influencing Bismuth’s Price

Economic and market forces contribute to bismuth’s price variability. A primary factor is the balance of global supply and demand. Bismuth is predominantly obtained as a byproduct of mining other metals like lead, copper, and tin. This byproduct status means its supply can be less responsive to direct bismuth demand, as its production rates are tied to the mining activities of these primary metals.

Industrial demand for bismuth is expanding, especially as a non-toxic alternative to lead in pharmaceuticals, low-melting alloys, cosmetics, and electronics. Demand in medical imaging, radiation shielding, and automotive components also contributes to its market value. Purity and physical form also affect pricing, with higher purity and processed forms (powders, specialized crystals) costing more due to refining and manufacturing expenses.

Geopolitical factors, such as trade policies and political stability in major producing regions, can influence supply and, consequently, price. China accounts for a large portion of global bismuth production, and its export restrictions, as seen in early 2025, can lead to market disruptions and price surges. Broader economic health and industrial activity directly impact demand for raw materials like bismuth, contributing to price fluctuations. Environmental regulations, leading to mine closures or increased production costs, also shape the global supply landscape.

Where to Purchase Bismuth

Bismuth can be acquired through several avenues, depending on desired quantity and purity. For larger volumes or specific industrial grades, industrial metal suppliers are a common source. They often cater to businesses requiring bismuth for manufacturing or specialized applications. Companies such as SMI Inc. or Belmont Metals provide various forms, including ingots and powders.

Chemical and laboratory supply companies also offer bismuth, typically in smaller quantities or higher purity grades for research, educational, or laboratory use. Online retailers and marketplaces also serve as accessible platforms for purchasing bismuth. These platforms range from general e-commerce sites to specialized online metal dealers like RotoMetals or Bolton Metal Products, offering quantities from small hobbyist amounts to larger bulk orders. When purchasing, evaluate the supplier’s reputation, inquire about minimum order quantities, and clarify shipping costs. Verifying certifications or purity analyses can help ensure the product meets specific requirements.