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How does bismutite form in metal veins?

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A labeled periodic table element box for bismuth shows atomic number 83, symbol Bi, atomic weight 208.9804, electron configuration, and properties including solid state, rhombohedral crystal structure, and weakly acidic oxides. — bismuth Properties of bismuth.

Bismutite, a bismuth subcarbonate with the chemical formula (BiO)₂CO₃, forms in metal veins as an alteration product of primary bismuth minerals. This process occurs specifically within the oxidized portions of these veins.1