Bismuth(III) sulfide facts for kids
Bismuth(III) sulfide, also known as bismuth sulfide, is a special chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Bi2S3. This means it is made of two bismuth atoms and three sulfur atoms joined together. The bismuth in this compound has a +3 oxidation state, which describes how it shares electrons with other atoms.
What is Bismuth Sulfide Like?
Bismuth(III) sulfide is a brown solid. It does not dissolve in water, which means it won't disappear if you put it in a glass of water. Scientists can make this compound in a lab. They do this by mixing hydrogen sulfide gas with another bismuth compound, like bismuth(III) chloride.
Where Can We Find Bismuth Sulfide?
In nature, bismuth(III) sulfide is found as a mineral called bismuthinite. This mineral can look lead-gray or tin-white. Sometimes, it has a rainbow-like shine on its surface, which is called an iridescent tarnish. Bismuthinite is very important because it is a main ore of bismuth. An ore is a rock or mineral from which a metal can be taken out.
Bismuthinite has a shiny, metallic color. It was first discovered in Bolivia, a country in South America. This mineral is quite heavy for its size. Its specific gravity is about 6.8. This means it is almost seven times denser than water.
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