Period 6 element the last stable element; all subsequent elements are radioactive. For bismuth, however, its only primordial isotope, Bi, has a half-life of more than 10 years, over a billion times longer than the current age of the universe. As a rule, period 6 elements fill their 6s shells first, then their 4f, 5d, and 6p shells, in that order; however, there are exceptions, such as gold. This period contains the lanthanides, also known as the "rare earths". Many lanthanides are known for their magnetic properties, such as neodymium. Many period 6 transition metals are very valuable, such as gold, however many
Institute of Cast Metals Engineers Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6PY, United Kingdom. Institute of Cast Metals Engineers The Institute of Cast Metals Engineers (ICME), originally the British Foundrymen's Association is a British professional engineering institution founded in 1904. It publishes the Foundry Trade Journal, which was established in 1902. It was founded as the British Foundrymen's Association in 1904. It was given a Royal Charter on 25 November 1921. On 11 October 2000, it changed its name to the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers. It is licensed by the Engineering Council to assess candidates for inclusion on its Register of professional Engineers