Bischofite
A variety of Minerals
What is Bischofite?
Bischofite (bischofit) is a hydrous magnesium chloride mineral with formula MgCl2·6H2O. It belongs to halides and is a sea salt concentrate. It contains many macro- and micro-elements vital for human health, in much higher concentrations than can be found in sea or ocean salt. The main bischofit compound is magnesium chloride (up to 350 g/L), moreover, it contains about 70 other elements as impurities, including potassium, sodium, bromine, boron, calcium, silicon, molybdenum, silver, zinc, iron and copper.
Uses & Applications
Bischofite has many applications ranging from construction materials (tile, stone) to agriculture (preplant seeds, plant processing during vegetation period), oil extraction (for grouting and solidifying mortars), medical and chemical industry (production of magnesium metal). Bishofite is used in form of compresses to treat joint diseases such as arthritis, rheumatic fever osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, radiculitis, calcaneal spur and traumas, especially in rehabilitation centers in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Lithuania. Bischofite is also applied in gel form. Bischofite is used in the production of the industrial Sorel cement and synthetic carnallite. Bischofite solution is applied to deice roads, similar to sodium chloride, but it is less corrosive. It is also used in agriculture, veterinary medicine and cattle breeding to increase the crop yield and treat animals.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Bischofite 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.
Bischofite Localities Map
See where Bischofite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless to white; colourless in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 1 - 2
- Density
- 1.5895 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- MgCl2 · 6H2O
- Elements
- Cl, H, Mg, O
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Bischofite FAQs
How do I identify Bischofite?
Bischofite can be identified by its hardness of 1 - 2 on the Mohs scale, Colourless to white; colourless in transmitted light color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Bischofite?
Bischofite typically appears in Colourless to white; colourless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Bischofite?
Bischofite has a hardness of 1 - 2 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
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