BISMUTH, a ponderous brittle semi-metal, resembling zinc and the regulus of antimony, but differing greatly from them in quality. It dissolves with vehemence in the nitrous acid, which only corrodes the regulus of antimony; and is scarce soluble in the marine acid, which acts strongly on zinc. A calx and flowers of bismuth have been recommended as similar in virtue to certain antimonial preparations; but are at present of no other use than as a pigment or cosmetic.
Bismuth is sometimes found native, in small compact masses, of a pale lead-colour on the outside, but a silvery white within. It attenuates the parts of all other metals, and thereby promotes their fusion. When dissolved in strong acids, it yields the famous cosmetic magistery, and is a very valuable ingredient in the mixed metals used in casting types, and for bell-metal.
Bismuth is very common in Germany, and not unfrequently found in the tin-mines of Cornwall, though little known, or at least regarded, there.