{"product_id":"cristal-de-bismuth-irise-en-escalier-piece-unique-bisma","title":"Iridescent bismuth crystal hopper crystal, unique piece - BISMA","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.aa{font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;color:#1A1A1A;line-height:1.7;font-size:15px;max-width:760px;margin:0 auto}\n.aa p{margin:0 0 1rem}\n.aa a{color:#185FA5;text-decoration:underline}\n.aa .aa-title{display:inline-block;border-bottom:2px solid #FAC775;padding-bottom:4px;font-size:16px;font-weight:600;margin:1.75rem 0 .5rem;letter-spacing:.3px;color:#1A1A1A}\n.aa .aa-badge{display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;text-transform:uppercase;padding:3px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin:0 4px 4px 0;vertical-align:middle;font-family:Georgia,serif}\n.aa .aa-badge-or{background:#FAC775;color:#1A1A1A}\n.aa .aa-badge-brun{background:#5C3A1E;color:#FFF9E8}\n.aa .aa-badge-noir{background:#1A1A1A;color:#FAC775}\n.aa .aa-badge-bleu{background:#185FA5;color:#fff}\n.aa 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summary::after{content:\"\\2212\"}\n.aa .aa-a{font-size:13px;color:#3a3a3a;margin-top:.5rem}\n.aa .aa-a p{margin:0 0 .5rem}\n@media(max-width:600px){.aa .aa-vars,.aa .aa-ben{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"aa-badge aa-badge-noir\"\u003eUnique piece\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"aa-badge aa-badge-bleu\"\u003eMinerals \u0026amp; Chemistry\u003c\/span\u003e This \u003cstrong\u003ebismuth crystal\u003c\/strong\u003e is a miniature architectural metalwork: interlocking steps, perfectly straight angles, and \u003cstrong\u003eiridescent reflections\u003c\/strong\u003e that shift from pink to violet, blue to gold, and green depending on the light. Each specimen is born from a \u003cstrong\u003econtrolled crystallization\u003c\/strong\u003e: the bismuth is melted and then cooled slowly, allowing the crystals to build themselves in the shape of \u003cstrong\u003estairs\u003c\/strong\u003e (known as hopper crystals). A thin layer of oxide then forms on their surface, creating these \u003cstrong\u003erainbow\u003c\/strong\u003e colors without the use of paint or dye. No two pieces are alike: the shape, size, and palette of your specimen will therefore be \u003cstrong\u003eunique\u003c\/strong\u003e. Sold \u003cstrong\u003eby weight\u003c\/strong\u003e in three ranges from 10 to 160g, this crystal is perfect for a desk, a bookshelf, or a collector's display case, sitting between a \u003cstrong\u003emineral stone\u003c\/strong\u003e and a scientific object. A fragment of chemistry that looks like a sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"aa-title\"\u003eAvailable weights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-vars\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-var\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-var-v dark\" style=\"background: #1A1A1A;\"\u003e10 TO 50 G\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-var-i\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"aa-var-n\"\u003e10 to 50 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"aa-var-d\"\u003eSmall specimen, ideal for a first discovery or a display case\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-var\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-var-v dark\" style=\"background: #1A1A1A;\"\u003e50 TO 100 G\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-var-i\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"aa-var-n\"\u003e50 to 100 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"aa-var-d\"\u003eIntermediate size, with clearly visible steps\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-var\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-var-v dark\" style=\"background: #1A1A1A;\"\u003e100 TO 160 G\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-var-i\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"aa-var-n\"\u003e100 to 160 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"aa-var-d\"\u003eImpressive presence on a shelf or desk\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-mat\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBismuth: a metal that forms its own staircase\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBismuth\u003c\/strong\u003e (symbol Bi, atomic number 83) is a heavy, brittle metal known since antiquity and long confused with lead or tin. It melts at a surprisingly low temperature for a metal, around 271 °C, and has a rare property: like water, it \u003cstrong\u003eexpands as it solidifies\u003c\/strong\u003e. When left to cool slowly, the edges of the crystals develop faster than the center of the faces. The crystal therefore grows by its edges, leaving hollow, stepped faces: this is the \"hopper\" structure, which creates these characteristic geometric stairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe colors do not come from any pigment. Upon contact with warm air, the surface becomes covered with an extremely thin \u003cstrong\u003eoxide layer\u003c\/strong\u003e. Light reflects both off the top of this layer and the metal underneath: the two reflections interfere with each other, just like on a soap bubble or a puddle of oil. Depending on the local thickness of the oxide, the eye perceives gold, pink, violet, blue, or green. Important note: these crystals are not extracted from a mine in this form; they are obtained through \u003cstrong\u003emelting and then crystallizing\u003c\/strong\u003e bismuth, a foundry or laboratory process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"aa-title\"\u003eWhy you will love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-ben\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-b\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"ic\"\u003e✦\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--nl--\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tt\"\u003eA unique specimen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ds\"\u003eCrystallization is never identical: your piece will have its own silhouette and its own colors.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-b\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"ic\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--nl--\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tt\"\u003eColors without artifice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ds\"\u003eThe iridescence is born from a phenomenon of light interference on the oxide, not paint.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-b\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"ic\"\u003e➤\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--nl--\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tt\"\u003eFascinating geometry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ds\"\u003eRight angles, nested steps, hollow cubes: a crystallography lesson at your fingertips.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-b\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"ic\"\u003e✦\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--nl--\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tt\"\u003eA conversation piece\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ds\"\u003ePlaced on a desk, it always intrigues: metal, mineral, or sculpture? An opportunity to talk about chemistry.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-b\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"ic\"\u003e◆\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--nl--\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tt\"\u003eThree weight ranges\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ds\"\u003eFrom the small 10g fragment to the impressive 160g piece, depending on the space and desired effect.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-b\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"ic\"\u003e➤\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--nl--\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tt\"\u003eAn original gift\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ds\"\u003eFor a science enthusiast, a mineral collector, or a fan of beautiful objects.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-des\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"t\"\u003eWhen chemistry becomes sculpture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"x\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere is something almost architectural about a bismuth crystal. It looks like the model of an imaginary city, a stepped temple, or a labyrinth seen from the sky. Yet, no one carved it: the \u003cstrong\u003elaws of crystallization\u003c\/strong\u003e traced every step, every angle, every recess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThen comes the color. Under a desk lamp, the metal ignites with \u003cstrong\u003ewarm gold\u003c\/strong\u003e; near a window, it slides towards \u003cstrong\u003eblue and violet\u003c\/strong\u003e. The same crystal changes its mood throughout the day as the angle of light shifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is this dialogue between geometric rigor and chromatic whimsy that makes it an object apart in the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/objets-scientifiques\"\u003eLabo d'Atelier Atypique\u003c\/a\u003e: a piece of science you keep near you simply because it is beautiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-steps\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eSetting up your crystal\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-step\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"aa-step-n\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-step-c\"\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eChoose your weight.\u003c\/strong\u003e Small specimen for a display case or narrow shelf, large format for a centerpiece in a display cabinet.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-step\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"aa-step-n\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-step-c\"\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnpack with care.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hold the crystal by its base rather than its thin edges, which can be brittle.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-step\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"aa-step-n\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-step-c\"\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eFind the right light.\u003c\/strong\u003e Grazing light, whether natural or from an adjustable lamp, best reveals the iridescence and the relief of the steps.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-step\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan class=\"aa-step-n\"\u003e4\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-step-c\"\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry maintenance.\u003c\/strong\u003e A simple soft brush or a dust blower is enough to remove dust, without rubbing the colored layer.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"aa-title\"\u003eWeight comparison\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-cmp\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003cth\u003eCriteria\u003c\/th\u003e\n\n\u003cth\u003e10 to 50 g\u003c\/th\u003e\n\n\u003cth\u003e50 to 100 g\u003c\/th\u003e\n\n\u003cth\u003e100 to 160 g\u003c\/th\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eDisplay, discovery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eDesk, shelf\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eShelf, library\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr class=\"hl\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eStep visibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eFine, observe closely\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eClear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eVery clear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eShape and colors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eUnique\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eUnique\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eUnique\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr class=\"hl\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eGift idea\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eSmall attention\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eCuriosity gift\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eCollector's gift\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-info\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to know:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bismuth is a particularly dense metal. For the same size, a bismuth crystal seems much heavier than one might imagine: this is why it is sold by weight. The photos show crystals of approximately 3 to 10 cm, but the exact size and shape of your piece depend on its crystallization and cannot be guaranteed in advance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-tip\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTip:\u003c\/strong\u003e combine several crystals of different weights on a tray or in a display case to create a small mineral composition. To continue the experience, discover our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mineraux-et-chimie\"\u003eMinerals \u0026amp; Chemistry\u003c\/a\u003e selection, where crystals, amazing fluids, and laboratory curiosities intersect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"aa-title\"\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-sp\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eCrystallized bismuth with oxidized surface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eCrystal origin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eMelting followed by controlled crystallization (foundry \/ laboratory)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eStructure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eHopper crystals, geometric steps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eColors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural iridescence by oxidation: gold, pink, violet, blue, green\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eAvailable weights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003e10 to 50 g · 50 to 100 g · 100 to 160 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eIndicative size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 3 to 10 cm depending on specimen (based on photos)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eShape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eUnique for each piece\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eSurface treatment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eNo paint or dye\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eUse\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eDecoration and collector's object\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eDry dusting, no products or abrasives\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eBase or stand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003eNot provided\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-warn\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrecautions:\u003c\/strong\u003e decorative object, not a toy. Thin edges can be sharp or break: keep out of reach of children under 3 and animals, do not ingest. Avoid water, household cleaning products, friction, and heat sources, which may tarnish or alter the colored layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-gift\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA gift idea like no other\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBirthday for a chemistry fan, passing a scientific exam, a departing engineer colleague, year-end gift for a teacher: bismuth crystals appeal to curious minds and design enthusiasts alike. Its unique character makes it a gift that no one else will possess in the exact same form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo create a more complete gift, browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decoration\"\u003eour Decoration collection\u003c\/a\u003e or the entire range of Lab objects: crystal barometers, ferrofluids, and other curiosities that tell the story of science in a different way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"aa-title\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-faq\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails class=\"aa-q\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs the bismuth crystal natural?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-a\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBismuth\u003c\/strong\u003e is a natural element present in certain ores. However, the iridescent hopper crystals you see here are almost never found in nature in this form. They are obtained by \u003cstrong\u003emelting the metal and cooling it slowly\u003c\/strong\u003e, a foundry or laboratory process that allows the crystals to form on their own. The geometric step structure and the colors are the result of real physical phenomena, without carving or painting, but the crystallization is man-induced. It is this mix of science and controlled chance that makes each piece \u003cstrong\u003eunique\u003c\/strong\u003e and fascinating to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"aa-q\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhere do the rainbow colors come from?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-a\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe colors are neither painted nor dyed. Upon cooling in contact with air, the surface of the bismuth is covered with an extremely thin \u003cstrong\u003eoxide layer\u003c\/strong\u003e. Part of the light reflects off this layer, another part off the metal underneath; the two beams superimpose, and some colors are reinforced while others are cancelled out. This is the phenomenon of \u003cstrong\u003ethin-film interference\u003c\/strong\u003e, the same as on a soap bubble. The thickness of the oxide varies from one spot to another, resulting in this gradient of gold, pink, violet, blue, and green, which also changes depending on the angle of observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"aa-q\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWill my crystal be identical to the one in the photos?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-a\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo, and that is the whole appeal of this object. Each crystal forms freely during cooling: the arrangement of the steps, the overall silhouette, and the distribution of colors are unique to each piece. The photos illustrate the \u003cstrong\u003egeneral appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e of the crystals, with sizes observed from approximately 3 to 10 cm. The only criterion you choose is the \u003cstrong\u003eweight range\u003c\/strong\u003e: 10 to 50g, 50 to 100g, or 100 to 160g. Your specimen will feature the same stepped structure and iridescence, but in a \u003cstrong\u003eunique\u003c\/strong\u003e composition that only you will own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"aa-q\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhy is the crystal sold by weight?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-a\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the shape and dimensions vary from one piece to another, the \u003cstrong\u003eweight\u003c\/strong\u003e is the most reliable criterion to determine the size of your crystal. Bismuth is also a \u003cstrong\u003every dense\u003c\/strong\u003e metal: a small volume already has significant weight, and two crystals of the same mass can have different silhouettes—one more compact, the other more spread out in steps. The three ranges offered allow you to choose between a \u003cstrong\u003esmall piece\u003c\/strong\u003e for discovery, an intermediate format for a desk, or a \u003cstrong\u003egenerous specimen\u003c\/strong\u003e for a display case. In all cases, the visual effect of the stairs and iridescence is fully present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"aa-q\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWill the colors fade over time?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-a\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnder normal indoor conditions, the oxide layer is \u003cstrong\u003estable\u003c\/strong\u003e: the crystal retains its reflections. It remains, however, very thin and therefore sensitive to damage. Repeated friction, abrasive cloths, household cleaners, water, or high heat can scratch or modify it, causing the silver-grey of the metal to reappear in places. To preserve the iridescence, \u003cstrong\u003ehandle the crystal by its base\u003c\/strong\u003e, dust it with a soft brush or a dust blower, and place it away from humidity. A display case or shelf with little physical contact is the ideal location for an object that is meant to be admired rather than touched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"aa-q\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs bismuth dangerous to handle?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-a\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBismuth is recognized as one of the \u003cstrong\u003eleast toxic\u003c\/strong\u003e heavy metals, which explains its use in various everyday applications. It remains, however, a decorative object and not a toy. The main precautions are mechanical: some \u003cstrong\u003ethin edges\u003c\/strong\u003e can be sharp or break, and small fragments pose a choking hazard. Keep it out of reach of \u003cstrong\u003echildren under 3\u003c\/strong\u003e and animals, do not ingest, and wash your hands after prolonged handling, as with any metallic object. To observe it as a family, the best solution is to keep it on a shelf or in a display case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"aa-q\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow to display a bismuth crystal?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aa-a\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEverything is a question of \u003cstrong\u003elight\u003c\/strong\u003e. Grazing light coming from the side emphasizes the relief of the steps and makes the iridescence vibrate; an adjustable desk lamp or window light at the end of the day produces beautiful effects. Against a \u003cstrong\u003edark\u003c\/strong\u003e background—dark wood or black fabric—the colors stand out even more. You can also present it under a small glass dome or in a display case alongside other minerals. Finally, don't hesitate to turn it from time to time: each face reveals a different palette, and the crystal seems to change character depending on the angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--$1--\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Atelier Atypique","offers":[{"title":"10 to 50 g","offer_id":54860801933635,"sku":"1005009602049209-Crystal Pyramid-10-50g","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 to 100 g","offer_id":54860801966403,"sku":"1005009602049209-Crystal Pyramid-50-100g","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 to 160 g","offer_id":54860801868099,"sku":"1005009602049209-Crystal Pyramid-100-160g","price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0231\/3365\/0991\/files\/S5c25f181554e46928259951d13f44c2dC.webp?v=1791060650","url":"https:\/\/atelier-atypique.com\/products\/cristal-de-bismuth-irise-en-escalier-piece-unique-bisma","provider":"Atelier Atypique","version":"1.0","type":"link"}