Bismoclite
A variety of Minerals
What is Bismoclite?
Bismoclite is a bismuth oxohalide mineral with formula BiOCl. It is the naturally occurring form of bismuth oxychloride. The name was derived from its chemical constituents. It is a secondary bismuth mineral first thought to be composed of bismuthyl ions (BiO) and chloride anions, however, the existence of the diatomic bismuthyl ion is doubtful. It is a member of the matlockite group. It was first described in 1935 from alluvium near bismuth-bearing pegmatites in South Africa. It has been found in association with granite pegmatite and in greisen. Associated minerals include bismutite, mica, jarosite, alunite, cerussite, atacamite, connellite. Occurrences include the type locality at Jackals Water, SW of Prieska, South Africa; Bygoo, Australia; the Tintic district in the East Tintic Mountains of Utah; and from Dalbeattie, Scotland.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Bismoclite 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.
Bismoclite Localities Map
See where Bismoclite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Bismoclite
The crystal structure of bismoclite was found to be composed of linked decahedrons, specifically a square antiprism. These decahedrons consist of 2 squares with sides of 3.487 Å (O-O-O-O and Cl-Cl-Cl-Cl) connected by 8 isosceles triangles (O-Cl-O and Cl-O-Cl), with a bismuth atom at the centre. The Bi-O distances and Bi-Cl distances are 2.316 Å and 3.059 Å, respectively. The O-Cl distances in the triangles are 3.249 Å. The decahedrons are linked to each other through shared O-Cl sides.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Cream-white, greyish, yellowish brown; colourless in thin section
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2 - 2.5
- Density
- 7.784 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- BiOCl
- Elements
- Bi, Cl, O
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Bismoclite FAQs
How do I identify Bismoclite?
Bismoclite can be identified by its hardness of 2 - 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Cream-white color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Bismoclite?
Bismoclite typically appears in Cream-white, greyish, yellowish brown; colourless in thin section. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Bismoclite?
Bismoclite has a hardness of 2 - 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the composition of bismoclite of Bismoclite?
The crystal structure of bismoclite was found to be composed of linked decahedrons, specifically a square antiprism. These decahedrons consist of 2 squares with sides of 3.487 Å (O-O-O-O and Cl-Cl-Cl-Cl) connected by 8 isosceles triangles (O-Cl-O and Cl-O-Cl), with a bismuth atom at the centre. The Bi-O distances and Bi-Cl distances are 2.316 Å and 3.059 Å, respectively. The O-Cl distances in the triangles are 3.249 Å. The decahedrons are linked to each other through shared O-Cl sides.
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