Bismoclite

Bismoclite

Yellow-orange bismoclite on bismuthinite from the Alto do Giz pegmatite, Equador, Rio Grande do Norte, NE-region, Brazil. Approximate size: 20 x 6 x 2 mm.
General
Category Halide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
BiOCl
Strunz classification 3.DC.25
Dana classification 10.2.1.2
Crystal system Tetragonal
Crystal class Ditetragonal dipyramidal (4/mmm)
H-M symbol: (4/m 2/m 2/m)
Space group P4/nmm
Unit cell a = 3.887 Å, c = 7.354 Å; Z=2
Identification
Color Cream-white, greyish, yellowish brown
Crystal habit Platey to thin rectangular crystals, firous to columnar, massive
Cleavage {001} perfect
Tenacity Elastic
Mohs scale hardness 2-2.5
Luster Greasy, silky, pearly, dull, earthy
Streak White
Diaphaneity Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity 7.36 (measured), 7.784 (calculated)
Optical properties Uniaxial (-)
Refractive index nω = 2.150 nε = 1.910
Birefringence δ = 0.240
References [1][2][3][4]

Bismoclite is a bismuth oxohalide mineral with formula BiOCl. The name was derived from its chemical constituents. It is a secondary bismuth mineral composed of bismuthyl ions (BiO+) and chloride anions. It is a member of the matlockite group.

It was first described in 1935 from alluvium near bismuth-bearing pegmatites in South Africa.[2] 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.[3]

References


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