Bismuth Rainbow Crystal Staircase - 1.716" rockinaboxmammothtooth By wearing this pin

By wearing this pin

5 inches (6

This is especially true if you handle the specimen frequently or keep it exposed to the air for long periods

This technique was used and perfected in the beginning of the 20th century by Japanese businessman Mikimoto Kōkichi (1858-1954)

This specimen first appeared in the Fourth Edition of the Mini Museum

Bismuth Rainbow Crystal Staircase - 1.716" rockinaboxmammothtooth By wearing this pinBismuth is an element (Bi 83) best known for its unusual staircase shape, the result of bismuth atoms attaching to the edge of a rapidly growing crystal. This is called hoppering, when atoms are drawn to the edge of a structure, creating a lattice formation. This specimen is a Bismuth Rainbow Crystal, measuring 1. 716". While bismuth's practical uses are limited beyond some pharmaceuticals, the element's utterly unique colors and shape continue to