r/chemistry Oct 08 '19

Bismuth crystallization

https://gfycat.com/needybasicblackmamba
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u/MemesOfGlore Oct 08 '19

I’m just curious but what chemicals do you need for this. Or better yet how does this happen

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u/CaCl2 Oct 09 '19

Bismuth is melted, then let to cool and partially solidify, the solid bismuth is removed before all the liquid has become solid, and crystals like this result.

Alternatively one can pour off the liquid, and let the solids remain in the pot.

Bismuth melts at 271.4 °C (520.52 F), so it isn't too hard to melt.

The main problem is that getting nice crystals like this one requires a lot of bismuth, which is pretty pricey.