Veteran bismuth user here.
*Some important tips:* First and foremost.. *BE SAFE!* Despite what you might hear, bismuth is not entirely benign, I've had this explained to me by a chemist. It is relatively non toxic for a heavy metal, but precaution is necessary. Maintain a very well ventilated area making sure not to breathe in the gas released from the smelting process. So if you're inside, fans and open windows possibly even a respirator are all good ideas. Though being outside is optimal if possible. Also use other PPE like safety glasses, covered clothing, and gloves. Better safe than sorry, this is molten metal you are dealing with.
Now for the best results... maintaining a very slow cooling process is by far the most important. This alows the crystal steps to form. Eventually if let be, the steps will form until entirely sold again, but if pulled out too early you'll get smooth formation lacking plates like shown here. So slow down that cooling process via ceramic wool, and other fire safe insulators like kiln bricks and so on. The idea is to let the top set and have it cool down from above only. Now a key little piece of information here is that the more bismuth you have melting, the easier this is. It's a matter of volume for the crystal to form in. When shopping for bismuth you want the highest grade possible. Purity is important for good outcomes. I buy mine for about $50 usd for every 5lbs from a laboratory grade metal distributor in Germany over the internet. There are many options out there so shop around. You're going to want to have at least 10 lbs to begin with.
When setting your plates that form on top of your pool, having an anchor can help to extract them without harm. I use 3 inch screws set about a half inch in. This allows me to back the screw out with a drill from the final product to avoivd wrestling with my anchor until it's free, which could result in damaging the plate. When the top is cooling, you want to try to establish your plates by maintaining separation between them, there are many ways to do this. All and all play around until you find what works best for you. After all experimentation is much of what the bismuth crystal making process is about. Trade secrets are a quite hard to come by, but there are a few tutorials out there that will give you the basic rundown if you need it.
Be safe everybody, its not the time to need to go to the hospital. Good luck and have fun!
Thanks for all the great information!!! Yes especially the screw, awesome stuff! Yes I was thinking about using an anchor next time and using much more bismuth in a larger setup.
What I wonder is if you could make jewelry with this or would it be toxic or discolor if worn against the skin?
@@TheCrystalCollector Np, man. Pro tips for the screw anchor set up..
1.) Impact drill does a nice job.
2.) If they are stuck beyond being able to retrieve through process #1, take a blowtorch to the screw and heat the bismuth via conduction. Not too much though. This will melt the bismuth just around the screw releasing it so you can unscrew it via step 1. Remember this is all in the attempt not to harm the crystal because bismuth is a relatively brittle metal and will crack or bust open if too much force is applied.
@@sueiverson258 Yes you can use it in jewelry. Like other heavy metals it can be absorbed through the skin in very very very small amounts. So it could, though very unlikely cause irritation if you're sensitive enough. It's absorption is very poor, and its toxicity in that matter is very low. So its basically "harmless". You're not going to get sick or cause any diseases by wearing it as jewelry. The amount of what you absorb through skin contact is magnitudes less than the amount of lead you eat in a serving of leafy greens. Which is an astronomically small and harmless amoumt in its own. In short, you'll be completely fine. But i wont lie to you and say its not being absorbed by touch because it is. It's just not enough to harm you.
The problem with it as jewelry, is having it retain the coloration. It recieves it's coloration via oxidization as it cools. The more you handle it, oil it via skin contact, ect. The less that color is likely to stick around.
Depending on how you structure the jewelry piece, this could be avoided though. But keep in mind that bismuth is quite a brittle element. It will break if you aren't careful.
I do lapidary work and am quite the artsy crafty person myself. The best way i can see around this sort of issue is to cast your bismuth crystal in resin thus locking in that color and protecting it from harm as a jewelry piece. You can then take that cast and use it however you want. You could cabochon so that the final result is a stepped pyramid of sorts from the front. That can also be achieved via the right mold. You could even slice the crystal first so it has a flat side and then cast it with a paper background, like a spacescape or desert dunes, whatever you're feeling. And if for some reason you're still uneasy about the skin contact then you have the benifit of it not touching you. Good luck!
Old disabled house bound dusty rusty rockhound here: Hanging out with you is always a blast...even via CZcams! Makes me feel young and excited again.
Dang…I could watch that melted bismuth all day. So mesmerizing. Looks like iridescent mercury.
The fact you can get those crystal formations from a little staple or something is so awesome.
OMG..........COOLEST SCIENCE EXPERIMENT EVER!!! LOVE all the colors and the fact that you can remelt this stuff and have a do over! WOW!!!! Definitely want to see a part two to this! TY Bryan!!! : )
Wow! That was neat to see the reveals. Looking forward to part 2.
I think there are several immediate uses for the pieces. First, they'd be gorgeous Christmas ornaments. Second, jewelry pendants hung from leather. Third, you could make some really imaginative mobiles. I think there's no end of things you can do! Good going!
Those are beautiful crystals! You did a wonderful job for your first time out. I just love your channel. It has really helped me through this tough time. Thank you for all the outstanding content and give Matrix a big hug for me!❤
I love working with bismuth.. I make necklaces and pendant pieces in wire wrap. The patterns are unique each time for every piece.
It is also a fun science experiment to teach your kids about..explaining the science behind it all and why it forms as it does when it cools in such geometric patterns
Smaller crucible cups are not terribly expensive. You can buy a average graphite crucible for around 20-25 dollars..so not expensive..
A smaller cup and having some depth in it allows better bigger crystals.. more so if the receptical being used to poor in and cool down in is smaller diameter and had some depth to it. Bismuth in almost pure form is not very expensive.
You can easily do this on a gas stove at home or utilize some bricks and make a homemade little smelter using a camp burner and propane bottle ..using the bricks as a wall around the burner..and allowing access from above to put the crucible cup on the burner..
The tongs to hold the crucible aren't expensive either. So get them and use them. It allows you a sure grip on the crucible.
I showed my friends kids this science experiment and they now all have a piece of bismuth crystal they keep in a little magnification type case/box..and show it off.. and they made it so it has pride value to them..an accomplishment.. and they learned some cool science.
Beautiful colors, that's Awesome! Thank you for sharing Bryan! Sending little Matrix love's 🙏❤ Much respect always....
Those colors were amazing. Can’t wait for part II
That was fun to watch.. Beautiful colors.
I just collected a piece last week for this first time At my local crystal store in Vegas! And I today I see this video come up and ,wow I’m so glad I watched your amazing video!!! Thank you!
So cool!!! Thanks for making a video showing the process, super neat!
Loved watching this. Missing your videos and I know you're probably going stir crazy not being able to travel. I know how you feel. But I really like this idea and am going to try it myself. Thanks again for sharing. Keep safe
Yes, thinking of doing some local digs at some private spots, have a few here and there, thanks for watching 💯
Nice crystals!!! Big fan!!!!!!! Love your vids
Those bismuth crystals are awesome with the intense colours. Looked like fun making those crystals
Just wanted to say I love watching ur videos !!! To find BEAUTIFUL STONES , I CANT IMAGINE HOW IT FEELS . ONE DAY I HOPE TO GO AND DIG AND FIND SOMETHING BREATH TAKING AS YOU HAVE ! THANK YOU FOR SHARING !
That was so neat. Looking forward to PART 2!!
I think this is a cool way of getting crystals. I look forward to your future attempts. Fantastic!
Oh no...WHYYY did have to see this?! I'M HOOKED! Gotta prepare & try this! Thanks for sharing!
Mine arrives on Thursday, thank you for inspiring me, I've heard of them before, seen a few videos before, but never have I thought that I would do them myself.. buttttt.. it's you, and I love your videos, so I kinda have to!! Keep safe!!!
Those colors are just beautiful.
That was so much fun! Thanks for coming up with something so out of the box. I think we all need some entertaining these days because as I say now instead of stay safe- stay sane!
Awesomeness that looks like a city from the future, love them 👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for sharing this. Looking forward to the next bismuth melt.
After watching this video I spent well over an hour watching some of your others. Like you on Facebook also.
Greetings. I came for Bismuth. I am subscribing, barely which channel has such privilege, we are so similar. I love your personality and crystals.
This vid was mesmerising. So interesting. I love crystals. Used to make alum crystals when I was a kid. Thank you. Your vids are amazing.
Beautiful results! I see you have a few listed on your Ultra-Rocks eBay store too! Now may be the time to become the "crystal grower" for a while.
this colours are beautiful
This was really neat. Enjoyed it a lot. So different and cool.
Very cool indeed,thanks for the show
Yo, hi! I love your work and videos! Keep it up!
You can remelt formations and pieces you don’t like. Also, my understanding is the slag is oxidation, not contamination. It will keep forming oxidation skum every time you expose the molten bismuth to air. It is FUN experimenting with bismuth! EDIT; oops, should’ve watched the full video before letting my enthusiasm for playing with bismuth prompts me to shoot my mouth off. LOL You did mention reusing and remelting your pieces. But maybe still good to emphasize. Have fun but be safe! I too am planning on getting another 8 pounds when I can afford to in the hopes of getting bigger crystals. I’d say it takes about 12-16 lbs depending on the size of pot you’re using. OH ALSO; 1) I’ve had good luck pouring off that second pot before it all solidifies and getting crystals from that as well. 2) I read that what metal you use as a catalyst for the crystals makes a difference too. Zinc was the best supposedly. I’ve tried copper wire (DOESNT WORK) and stainless steel (WORKS PRETTY WELL). OK, OK I’ll stop. HAVE FUN!
My husband melts lead already! I think I just found him a new hobby! Thanks! Great video.
This would be a great time to do another experiment! To show people how to grow crystal out of alum. It will take a couple weeks to grow but it is cool to do. Just and idea I thought you would like. Love your videos Bryan
This video is super cool. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never seen that before, very cool. Be safe out there....
Those colours are amazing
really nice video .. i had a great time melting this with you THANK YOU
Would love to see what would happen if you dip amethyst in as the "seed" for bismuth formation!
Thank You so much sir I appreciate it alot👍🤗
- Stay strong and healthy mate🙏 and Matrix🎉
Great Video!!! That's pretty wild!!
NOTE: Do not use your wife's best pots and pans, ya'll. No amount of gorgeous colored crystal will save you if you do that, LOL. Seriously though, that was fun watching you do that. I've watched a few videos, some folks get really good at it, and are able to have some control over the colors, although I'm not sure how they do it. Can'[t wait for the next one, Bryan!
Lol!!! I found myself wondering when he was pouring into the second pot if he realized how much it was going to cost to replace those!
LOL, full disclosure...I raised two boys. Speaking from experience! Rock on, Bryan!
Beautiful! Well done! Thank you!!
cool crystal making project...thanks for sharing this.
I am from SA and I Love all jor programs i wach all off them sum of theme i will watch over and over agen i enjoy them i am on penchen i love them and god work
OMG THATS THE COOLEST THING IVE EVER SEEN! THANK YOU FOR SHARING
Absolutely beautiful
I love the color and it’s beautiful and pretty too ❤
This is SOOO cool!! 😍👏👏👏👏
Awesome beautiful job just amazing how it forms and the colour awesome nice thing if not happy just redo awesome job thank you
Thank You! What fun😁
Absolutely aWeSoMe ❣️
That looks really fun ♥
Our BODYS actually need this.
Very cool! thanks for sharing this, can't wait for the next one awesome ✌💞💟
so awesome! I want to try this..awesome vid!
this is majestic
Bryan a successful experiment with the most gorgeous colours and amazing formations, you did very well my friend. I shall be looking forward to the next video and another experiment, I can still see the beautiful colours in my minds yet. Take care and stay safe please my friends, give Matrix a hug for me please Bryan Mary-Ellen UK
Yes it sure was fun and I learned a lot thru the process that I believe next time I’ll be able to make some even larger pieces! Thanks for your continued support Mary-Ellen 💯
I have a friend that's been working with it for 15 years. He is making money, selling jewelry he has made from it. He says the moon affects the crystals, and he knows how to control what colors he gets. Its really beautiful. Also there is a process where it where it "floats", Free from gravity. Cool stuff! He has some that have thousands of facets, and steps!
I love your light rig bro, you're a nut! Great vid
Matrix at the start of the video:ooooo is this food?
Try covering the pot to let it cool slowly. That should allow the crystals to grow larger and have better structure.
How cool! Those final pieces I thought it would be cool to place a tiny camera inside the hollow and record a bismuth landscape.
That looks fun.
That is so way beyond beuteful 😊
Great video 🥰
Be safe, big hugs from stine, from Denmark 🇩🇰 🌹 🌺 🥰
Pretty I like that meltin
Interesting for sure!
I love it it has a lot of silver color on it
So beautiful😍
Oho Waoo most beautiful colors when you melted this
That color changes good
Ya that’s cool I need to try this
Beautiful stone' s.
You are the best!
Cool man!
Man brother make some pendant jewelry out of those pieces! Those are really cool! Would look great with a sterling binding. Thanks for all the videos!!! Hello to all the furry friends!
Hillarious!!! - im gonna Break it Down - i Love It!!! =))
So cool
Very very awesome
That’s awesome
Cool!!
Really cool get a small geode and pour some of that in the cavity and see what turns out I bet it would be awesome
Great job man those can be truly difficult sometimes if the bismuth you buy is labeled as pure but actually is recycled with impurities .
Nice!
Impressive 🌟🌟🌟
Cool
Great project. I've never had the nerve to try it.
How cool is that.
I need to try this
So nice! If you had a deeper pot and suspended a wire into the liquid bismuth might you get a long clean crystal?
That video is awesome
Wauw beautiful.
This video was interesting and hilarious
Wowwww awesome thanks
mother nature is amazing
Thank you very much tô show how to do the titanium bismuth, I was very curious to now It. Thanks!
You’re making a pretty color
Well this morning is off to a good start
Thanks y’all for watching!
This was fun making these crystals, but was my very first time so I’ll be doing a new video Inna couple of weeks. For the next video I’m going to get much much more bismuth to work with, making the chances of getting larger crystals a lot higher!
Remember to turn on that notifications bell 🔔
Is this what they used in Terminator 2? LOL
If you can use a heavier pan, or but that pan on a hot rock or hot. Chunk of metal. The higher mass will help slow down your cooling. I think you can seed it with strings so you can pull them out .I love those inside out cubes. Very cool project. You can make rock sugar crystals with Hi-lighter ink in it.and they will glow in uv. Run that torch around the pan to loosen the crystals.
@@tacklebox6331 galium
This is so cool! I can't wait for part two! Lisa
Corey Merrill p