Bismuth Iridescence
Best viewed large to see how these crystals formed. The crystals grow by expanding when the mineral is heated and then cooled. It is called a "hopper mineral' for the structural pattern of crystals.
Third of 5 images in a row of the mineral bismuth, a metal that has some radioactivity and is often laboratory-grown to produce such large crystals. This specimen is about 2" across. In different light it will catch rainbow colors. See the links below for fascinating information about bismuth and how it can be grown.
Seriously, you could make these at home!
www.amazingrust.com/Experiments/how_to/Bismuth_Crystals.html
Wikipedia articles:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismuth
Hopper crystals:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopper_crystal
Comments and faves
harvestmoon, PhotoGrandma, Blue Cockatoo, wilbura59, and 33 other people added this photo to their favorites.
harvestmoon (40 months ago | reply)
Anazing textures and colours! Never heard about this process before.
PhotoGrandma (40 months ago | reply)
Mind-blowing! I learned something today!! Thanks! :o)
Lovely colors and great captures!!
Now that's blue!
We would love to have your photo in Top 25 Blue!
Doug and Kim (40 months ago | reply)
Great color!
wilbura59 (40 months ago | reply)
Reminds me of the "QUBE" from "Transformers". Fantastic!
mark willocks (40 months ago | reply)
First thought was computer circuit boards. Fascinating!
JOSE MARIA GUIZAN (40 months ago | reply)
Fantastic macro. I also thought it was a computer board. Greetings.