Bismuth

A thumbnail specimen displaying bright, mirror-like cleavage surfaces of native bismuth on matrix from Cobalt, Ontario. The bismuth shows strong metallic lustre and distinctive stepped cleavage planes that catch the light. Even in fragmentary form, the specimen clearly illustrates the characteristic appearance of this uncommon native metal.

Native bismuth was a frequent accessory mineral in the silver–cobalt–arsenide veins of the Cobalt Camp, occurring alongside native silver and related arsenides. Although never produced in large quantities, bismuth from this district is highly prized by collectors for its association with one of the world’s great historic silver camps.