Bicchulite
A variety of Minerals
What is Bicchulite?
Bicchulite has an ideal chemical formula of 2CaO •Al2O3 •SiO2 •H2O, which was formularized from the hydrothermal synthesis of synthetic gehlenite (2CaO •Al2O3 •SiO2). Also, bicchulite was sighted in the mines of Japan with related minerals. This sodalite-type structured bicchulite has an uncommon ratio of aluminium to silicon, causing difficulties deciphering the structure. Because of bicchulite's structure it has a powdery texture, which leads to complications in obtaining information on the mineral's physical properties. Despite this problem, the color, specific gravity, and crystal size of bicchulite are known. Although bicchulite was only discovered about 40 years ago, technology has been rapidly advancing, allowing more accurate results to be made from experiments done today.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Bicchulite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Bicchulite Localities Map
See where Bicchulite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Bicchulite
Considering that bicchulite was found in skarns, the mineral contains various impurities, thus preventing the formation of an absolute chemical formula. Even with the use of X-ray powder diffraction techniques, an accurate composition of bicchulite could not be determined. However, after performing some experiments of hydrating gehlenite, not only was bicchulite created but also an ideal chemical formula for the rare mineral was arranged as 2CaO •Al2O3 •SiO2 •H2O. Since bicchulite contains aluminium, silicon, and oxygen it is considered an aluminosilicate. At room temperature aluminosilicates typically have a ratio of aluminium to silicon that is close to 1 as a result of alternating linkages of Al and Si ions with O, or Loewenstein's rule. Though bicchulite is an aluminosilicate, it is the only one to have an Al to Si ratio of 2:1 and have a framework structure. Bicchulite is also a sodalite-type mineral not only because of its similar composition components of Na6(Na,Ca)2(Al6Si6O24)X1−2n•H2O, but also because of its analogous structure.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless to white, gray
- Density
- 2.813 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca2(Al2SiO6)(OH)2
- Elements
- Al, Ca, H, O, Si
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Bicchulite FAQs
How do I identify Bicchulite?
Bicchulite can be identified by its Colourless to white color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Bicchulite?
Bicchulite typically appears in Colourless to white, gray. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
What is the composition of bicchulite of Bicchulite?
Considering that bicchulite was found in skarns, the mineral contains various impurities, thus preventing the formation of an absolute chemical formula. Even with the use of X-ray powder diffraction techniques, an accurate composition of bicchulite could not be determined. However, after performing some experiments of hydrating gehlenite, not only was bicchulite created but also an ideal chemical formula for the rare mineral was arranged as 2CaO •Al2O3 •SiO2 •H2O. Since bicchulite contains aluminium, silicon, and oxygen it is considered an aluminosilicate. At room temperature aluminosilicates typically have a ratio of aluminium to silicon that is close to 1 as a result of alternating linkages of Al and Si ions with O, or Loewenstein's rule. Though bicchulite is an aluminosilicate, it is the only one to have an Al to Si ratio of 2:1 and have a framework structure. Bicchulite is also a sodalite-type mineral not only because of its similar composition components of Na6(Na,Ca)2(Al6Si6O24)X1−2n•H2O, but also because of its analogous structure.
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