How Much Is Bismuth? Price, Factors, and Uses

Bismuth, a captivating element with the atomic number 83, is a heavy, brittle, silvery-white metal, often with a subtle pinkish tint. This unique post-transition metal forms iridescent, stair-step crystals when cooled slowly from a molten state. The rainbow-like colors on these crystals result from a thin layer of oxidation on their surface, causing light to interfere and reflect. Unlike some other heavy metals, bismuth has low toxicity, making it suitable for many applications.

Understanding Bismuth’s Market Price

The market price of bismuth fluctuates based on its form, purity, and market dynamics. For 99.99% minimum purity ingots, prices have been observed around $13.91 per pound for U.S. delivery. Online retailers offer smaller, one-pound ingots of similar purity for $29.99 to $39.00.

Aesthetic bismuth crystals, sought by hobbyists and collectors, typically command higher prices per gram due to their unique formation and iridescent qualities. These prices vary significantly depending on the crystal’s size, shape, and color intensity. Purity levels also play a substantial role in pricing, with material of 99.999% or higher purity fetching a premium compared to 99.9% pure bismuth. This higher purity is necessary for specialized industrial and medical applications where minor impurities could compromise performance.

Historically, the price of 99.99% bismuth ingots has shown considerable volatility, ranging from $3 to $14 per pound over the past decade. Recent market events, including shifts in global supply chains, have led to surges, with increases of 600% to 700% in a short period. These price movements highlight the commodity’s sensitivity to supply and demand pressures.

Key Factors Affecting Bismuth Pricing

The market value of bismuth is determined by supply chain dynamics, industrial demand, and economic influences. A primary factor is bismuth’s status as a byproduct; it is recovered during the refining of other metals such as lead, copper, tin, and tungsten. This means the supply of bismuth is linked to the production levels of these primary metals, rather than independent bismuth mining.

China holds a dominant position in global bismuth production, accounting for a majority of the world’s refined output. Consequently, changes in China’s production policies, export regulations, or environmental mandates can have a profound impact on global supply and prices. Recent export restrictions and the closure of some Chinese mines have contributed to sharp price increases in the international market.

Industrial demand also influences bismuth pricing. Applications in sectors like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and green technologies, particularly its use as a non-toxic substitute for lead, drive up consumption. Higher purity bismuth, essential for sensitive applications, commands a premium because it meets stringent performance and safety standards. Global economic conditions and geopolitical stability can affect commodity markets, including bismuth, by influencing manufacturing output and trade flows.

Where to Acquire Bismuth

Acquiring bismuth depends on the quantity and form desired, with several avenues available. For businesses requiring bulk quantities or high-purity material for industrial processes, suitable sources are industrial suppliers and chemical companies. These entities provide bismuth in various forms, including ingots, powders, and specialized alloys, and can certify purity levels.

Online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay serve as platforms for smaller quantities, such as ingots for personal projects or aesthetic bismuth crystals for collectors. Many specialty metal dealers and metallurgical suppliers operate online, offering a range of purities and forms to individual buyers and smaller businesses. For enthusiasts growing their own crystals, craft or science supply stores offer bismuth in kits or small chunks.

When purchasing bismuth, verify the purity of the material, especially for applications where precise chemical composition is important. Evaluating the seller’s reputation through reviews or industry standing helps ensure a reliable transaction. Buyers should also consider the available forms of bismuth, such as ingots, granules, or pre-formed crystals, to ensure they match the intended use.

Primary Uses of Bismuth

Bismuth’s low toxicity and low melting point have led to its adoption across various industries. In the pharmaceutical sector, bismuth compounds are used for medicinal applications. Bismuth subsalicylate is a common ingredient in over-the-counter stomach remedies for indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. It is also used in specialized treatments, such as therapies for Helicobacter pylori infections and certain wound dressings.

The metal is used in low-melting-point alloys, often as an environmentally safer substitute for lead. These alloys find applications in plumbing fixtures, solders, and fire sprinkler systems, where their ability to melt at low temperatures is crucial for safety. The Safe Drinking Water Act amendments, which reduced the maximum lead content in “lead-free” pipes, have increased the demand for bismuth-based brass in water systems.

In the cosmetics industry, bismuth oxychloride is a popular ingredient, valued for its ability to impart a pearlescent and shimmery effect to makeup. This compound is found in foundations, eyeshadows, and highlighters, contributing to a luminous finish. Beyond these areas, bismuth also serves as a catalyst in chemical reactions, a pigment in ceramic glazes and paints, and a component in thermoelectric materials that convert heat into electrical energy. Its application in nuclear reactor coolants and radiation shielding also underscores its diverse industrial significance.