What element has the symbol 'Bi'?

The story behind the answer

Bi is the chemical symbol for Bismuth, element 83. The symbol maps neatly to its name (“Bi” → “BIsmuth”). By contrast, Boron’s symbol is just B, and “Bismolare” and “Bismuthine” are not element names.

Bismuth is a heavy, brittle metal known for its striking, rainbow-colored oxide crystals and surprisingly low toxicity. It’s used in medicines like Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and in low-melting alloys. Fun fact: it was long thought to be the heaviest stable element, though it’s very weakly radioactive with an unimaginably long half-life. Memory tip: Bi = BIsmuth; B is for Boron.