In today’s post, we’re going to learn everything we need to know about the gorgeously unusual crystal called bismuth. It’s absolutely one of my favourite crystals to work with, not just for its beauty but for the energies associated with it. I’ll be covering some of the science behind bismuth, such as how it’s formed, and will also be covering some of the common beliefs held about the metaphysical properties, healing power and magick it possesses.
Aside from its meaning and uses in magick and witchcraft, Bismuth is absolutely mesmerizing to look at with its iridescent metallic rainbow colours. ❤️ The bismuth crystals you see in this post are from my own collection, and I’ll be adding more pictures to this post as my collection increases! ❤️
Over time and as Witchy Weird grows, I plan to add to and update posts with more information, methods and all kinds of good things, so don’t forget to sign up for updates so you don’t miss out! ❤️
What is Bismuth?
Bismuth is a natural element found in nature within the earth’s crusts and is twice as abundant as gold. Consisting of reflective metal crystals, Bismuth is a heavy, brittle chemical element grown in laboratories and forms in a step pyramid shape as it solidifies and expands.
The gorgeous reflective rainbow coloration bismuth is known for comes from a thick oxide layer formed over its soft crystalline silvery-white metal interior. The thicker the oxide layer, the more intense the color of its iridescent rainbow surface.
Although bismuth is chemically similar to arsenic and antimony, it is considered non-toxic partly due to its low solubility.
Quick Facts about Bismuth
aka: the Science stuff ?
| Periodic Table Attributes | Bi, 83 |
| Hardness (Moh’s Scale) | 2-2.5 |
| Discovery | Used since ancient times and it’s unclear who first discovered it. It was however one of the first 10 metals ever discovered. |
| Source | – Found naturally in the earth’s crust, seawater and in soil where lead is found. – produced as a by-product of smelting other mined metals such as lead, tungsten and copper |
| Commercial Uses | – pigments in cosmetics – in pharmaceuticals like pepto-bismol (aka bismuth subsalicylate) – used as lead free valuves in potable water systems – as an ingredient in some pyrotechnics, such as crackling microstars (aka dragons eggs) |
| Historical Uses | Used by the Incas in a special bronze alloy for knives |
| Crystal Family & Shape | – Hexigonal crystal family – forms in the shape of a rhombohedral lattice |
| Other interesting sciency facts: | |
| – is the most naturally diamagnetic element, which means it is repelled by a magnetic field | |
| – one of the lowest values of thermal conductivity among metals – making it highly resistive to electricity. |
Bismuth Crystal Meanings and Uses
Metaphysical Properties of Bismuth
| Planet | Earth |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Chakra | use with all chakras but especially the crown and root |
| Main Themes Meanings/Uses | – Removing Blockages – Transformation and change – Purification – Group or relationship dynamics – Focus and Meditation – Astral Travel |
Removing Blockages, Transformation and Change
Bismuth crystals are known to stimulate physical and mental energy to help adapt to and cope with stressful circumstances and significant life changes. It allows one to adapt to these changes with a calm yet confident assurance while also seeing and overcoming blockages created for oneself. By increasing one’s energy levels, bismuth crystals help prevent overwhelm and help find order in one’s life.
Bismuths healing, transforming and grounding energies provide support during challenging transformations and give oneself the confidence, wisdom and endurance to reach one’s goals. Bismuth provides excellent grounding and calming energy and is especially effective in reducing anxiety and depression.
Purification
As bismuth is a single element, made up of some of the building blocks of matter, it’s known for its ability to aid in purification and cleansing work.
Group or Relationship Dynamics
When working in a group or in relationships (any kind, not only romantic), bismuth promotes honesty, happiness, solidarity and builds faith and joy. It’s great for strengthening relationships and promotes harmonious communication. Bismuth is also well known to aid in relieving feelings of loneliness or isolation (emotional and spiritual) and is excellent in helping to ease social anxiety.
Focus and Meditation
Bismuth crystals are great tools for use in meditation, visualization work and shamanic journeying. It promotes focus, time management and allows one to stay grounded while working with higher vibrations/spiritual matters. Holding a bismuth crystal and gazing into one while meditating or practicing visualization will improve concentration, often allowing one to gain greater insight into issues you’re working to resolve.
Bismuth also stimulates energy while working to clear one’s biological energy field (aka: aura). It’s great for enhancing visualization and achieving a meditative state.
Astral Travel
As bismuth crystals are known to retain pre-programmed intentions, it’s especially helpful in astral travel. Place bismuth at the crown chakra when aiding in astral travel.
How to Care for Bismuth Crystals
As bismuth is a soft mineral it will scratch easily and as this is the case should be stored and carried alone. ex. in it’s own bag.
According to Moh’s Hardness Scale, any mineral with a rating of 5 and below are considered especially susceptible to scratching. Even some dust particles may have a hardness of more than 5 – meaning wiping the dust off could scratch it. Bismuth is 2-2.5 on the Moh’s hardness scale, so please be careful to avoid scratching it.
Other Bismuth Crystal Resources
& Information
How to Grow Bismuth Crystals – Thought Co.
Video: Here’s How to Make Bismuth Crystals at Home – Science Alert
Sources & References:
In Print:
Holland’s Grimoire of Magickal Correspondence: A Ritual Handbook by Eileen Holland
Online:
The Conjured Saint – Raven and Crone – Crystal Gemstone Shop – Crystal Age – Gemxi Handcrafted – Crystals Online – Soul and Spirit Magazine – Crystalpedia – Wikipedia – Bismuth Toxicity Presentation –
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