Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) is a flaky crystalline powder with a silvery-white pearly luster. It is non-toxic, chemically stable, and possesses excellent pearlescent effects and skin adhesion, making it widely used in cosmetics, coatings, plastics, and environmentally friendly materials.
This material is unique in its tetragonal layered crystal structure, which allows it to reflect light regularly like countless miniature mirrors, producing a delicate and soft pearlescent effect, thus earning it the title of "King of Environmentally Friendly Pearlescent Materials." It is insoluble in water and ethanol, but soluble in hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. When heated to approximately 700°C, it decomposes and releases bismuth trichloride.
Physical Properties
Appearance: Silvery-white or very light brown crystalline powder; when rubbed, it exhibits a bright pearly luster.
Density: Approximately 7.72 g/cm³, exhibiting a relatively high specific gravity.
Crystal Structure: Quadratic crystal system; its layered structure endows it with excellent light reflection properties.
Chemical Stability
Stable at room temperature; can be stored for a long time by avoiding contact with strong acids or oxidants.
Insoluble in water, but soluble in acidic environments; suitable for various industrial formulations.
Safety and Environmental Friendliness
Although it contains bismuth, bismuth oxychloride is not considered a harmful heavy metal due to its extremely low toxicity and poor absorption through the skin.
It is widely used in cosmetic products, meets CI 77163 standards, and is a common pearlescent agent in lipsticks, eyeshadows, and highlighters.
