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Bismite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Bismite
Formula:
Bi2O3
Colour:
Greyish green, greenish yellow to bright yellow
Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine, Dull, Earthy
Hardness:
4½
Specific Gravity:
8.64 - 9.22
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
For Bismuth in its composition.
Type Locality:
Dimorph of:
The natural analogue of α-Bi2O3.
Four polymorphs of Bi2O3 exist (Ivanov et al., 2001). Two of them, the tetragonal β-phase (occurring in Nature as sphaerobismoite) and the bcc γ-phase, are metastable and on cooling they transform to the α-phase in the temperature interval 920-770 K. The monoclinic α-phase was traditionally considered stable in a very large temperature range from the lowest temperatures up to 1002 K (Ivanov et al., 2001). The high-temperature, cubic phase is δ-Bi2O3 (Gattow and Schröder, 1962; see also Masina et al., 2025).
NOTE: Numerous localities for bismuth oxides have been reported, but modern confirmation is required, as most have proven to be carbonates, etc.
Four polymorphs of Bi2O3 exist (Ivanov et al., 2001). Two of them, the tetragonal β-phase (occurring in Nature as sphaerobismoite) and the bcc γ-phase, are metastable and on cooling they transform to the α-phase in the temperature interval 920-770 K. The monoclinic α-phase was traditionally considered stable in a very large temperature range from the lowest temperatures up to 1002 K (Ivanov et al., 2001). The high-temperature, cubic phase is δ-Bi2O3 (Gattow and Schröder, 1962; see also Masina et al., 2025).
NOTE: Numerous localities for bismuth oxides have been reported, but modern confirmation is required, as most have proven to be carbonates, etc.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
682
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:682:4
Similar Names
| Birmite | A synonym of 'Burmite' | |
| Bismutite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | (BiO)2CO3 |
| Native Bismuth | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Bi |
IMA Classification of Bismite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Bi3+2O3
Classification of Bismite
4.CB.60
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
C : Metal: Oxygen = 2: 3,3: 5, and similar
B : With medium-sized cations
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
C : Metal: Oxygen = 2: 3,3: 5, and similar
B : With medium-sized cations
4.3.10.2
4 : SIMPLE OXIDES
3 : A2X3
4 : SIMPLE OXIDES
3 : A2X3
7.13.12
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
13 : Oxides of As, Sb and Bi
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
13 : Oxides of As, Sb and Bi
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Bis | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Bsm | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Bismite
Sub-Adamantine, Dull, Earthy
Transparency:
Opaque
Colour:
Greyish green, greenish yellow to bright yellow
Streak:
Grey to yellow
Hardness:
4½ on Mohs scale
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
8.64 - 9.22 g/cm3 (Measured) 10.4 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Bismite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
n = 2.42
Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Dispersion:
High
Chemistry of Bismite
Mindat Formula:
Bi2O3
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Bismite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/c
Setting:
P21/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.851 Å, b = 8.169 Å, c = 7.513 Å
β = 112.94°
β = 112.94°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.716 : 1 : 0.92
Unit Cell V:
330.70 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals microscopic, rare; earthy to powdery, compact granular, massive.
Crystal Structure
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2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0011925 | Bismite | Malmros G (1970) The crystal structure of alpha-Bi2O3 Acta Chemica Scandinavica 24 384-396 | 1970 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0016940 | Bismite | Sillen L (1940) Die Kristallstruktur des monoklinen alpha-Bi2 O3 _cod_database_code 1010004 Naturwissenschaften 28 206-207 | 1940 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.232 Å | (10) |
| 2.676 Å | (9) |
| 1.670 Å | (8) |
| 1.640 Å | (8) |
| 1.951 Å | (7.5) |
| 1.740 Å | (7.5) |
| 1.167 Å | (7) |
Locality:
Comments:
Recorded on material from Colavi, Bolivia
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47h : [Near-surface oxidized, dehydrated minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Bismite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (No. 97831)
Geological Setting of Type Material:
An oxidation product of bismuth
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Bismite
Other Language Names for Bismite
Dutch:Bismiet
German:Bismit
Wismuthblüthe
Wismuthoxyd
Wismutoxid
Wismuthocker (in part)
Wismuthblüthe
Wismuthoxyd
Wismutoxid
Wismuthocker (in part)
Italian:Bismite
Norwegian:Bismitt
Russian:Бисмит
Simplified Chinese:铋华
Spanish:Bismita
Ukrainian:Бісміт
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 72 photos of Bismite associated with Native Bismuth | Bi |
| 63 photos of Bismite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 41 photos of Bismite associated with Hedleyite | Bi7Te3 |
| 23 photos of Bismite associated with Bismuthinite | Bi2S3 |
| 22 photos of Bismite associated with Native Gold | Au |
| 14 photos of Bismite associated with Pucherite | Bi(VO4) |
| 11 photos of Bismite associated with Bismutite | (BiO)2CO3 |
| 11 photos of Bismite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 5 photos of Bismite associated with Mixite | BiCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 5 photos of Bismite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.CB. | Magnesiohögbomite-6N12S | Mg5Al11TiO23(OH) |
| 4.CB. | Kidodite | BaMg2Fe16O27 |
| 4.CB. | Ferrohögbomite-2N2S | [(Fe2+,Mg,Zn,Al)3(Al,Ti,Fe3+)8O15(OH)]2 |
| 4.CB. | Zhenruite | (MoO3)2 · H2O |
| 4.CB. | Fuyuanite | Mg7Nb6O18(OH)8 |
| 4.CB. | Virgilluethite | MoO3 · H2O |
| 4.CB. | Pengite | (Pb8Sb3+3)Σ11Sb5+9O35 |
| 4.CB.05 | Brizziite | NaSb5+O3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Tistarite | Ti3+2O3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Hematite | Fe2O3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Ecandrewsite | ZnTiO3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Melanostibite | Mn2+2Fe3+Sb5+O6 |
| 4.CB.05 | 'UM1998-11-O-AuHSb' | Au+2Sb3+O2(OH) |
| 4.CB.05 | Karelianite | V3+2O3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Corundum | Al2O3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Eskolaite | Cr2O3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Geikielite | MgTiO3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Akimotoite | MgSiO3 |
| 4.CB.05 | 'Unnamed (Fe-Cr Oxide)' | FeCrO3 |
| 4.CB.05 | 'Auroantimonate' | AuSbO3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Hemleyite | Fe2+SiO3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Ilmenite | Fe2+TiO3 |
| 4.CB.05 | Pyrophanite | Mn2+TiO3 |
| 4.CB.10 | Bixbyite-(Fe) | (Fe,Mn)2O3 |
| 4.CB.10 | Bixbyite-(Mn) | Mn3+2O3 |
| 4.CB.10 | Avicennite | Tl3+2O3 |
| 4.CB.15 | Armalcolite | MgTi4+2O5 |
| 4.CB.15 | Ferropseudobrookite | Fe2+Ti4+2O5 |
| 4.CB.15 | Griffinite | Al2Ti4+O5 |
| 4.CB.15 | Pseudobrookite Group | |
| 4.CB.15 | Sassite | Ti3+2Ti4+O5 |
| 4.CB.15 | Pseudobrookite | Fe3+2Ti4+O5 |
| 4.CB.20 | Zincovelesite-6N6S | Zn3(Fe3+,Mn3+,Al,Ti)8O15(OH) |
| 4.CB.20 | Magnesiohögbomite-2N4S | (Mg8.43Fe2+1.57)Σ=10Al22Ti4+2O46(OH)2 |
| 4.CB.20 | Magnesiobeltrandoite-2N3S | (Mg6Al2)(Al18Fe3+2)O38(OH)2 |
| 4.CB.20 | Zincohögbomite-2N6S | [(Zn,Mg)7(Al,Fe3+,Ti)16O31(OH)]2 |
| 4.CB.20 | Magnesiohögbomite-6N6S | [(Mg,Fe2+)3(Al,Ti,Fe3+)8O15(OH)]6 |
| 4.CB.20 | Magnesiohögbomite-2N3S | [(Mg,Fe2+,Zn)4(Al,Ti,Fe3+)10O19(OH)]2 |
| 4.CB.20 | Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S | [(Mg,Fe2+)3[Al7(Ti,Fe3+)]O15(OH)]2 |
| 4.CB.20 | 'Ferrohögbomite-6N12S' | [(Fe2+,Mg,Zn)5(Al,Ti,Fe3+)12O23(OH)]6 |
| 4.CB.20 | Zincohögbomite-2N2S | [(Zn,Al,Fe2+)3(Al,Fe3+,Ti)8O15(OH)]2 |
| 4.CB.25 | Kleberite | FeTi6O11(OH)5 |
| 4.CB.25 | Pseudorutile | Fe3+2Ti4+3O9 |
| 4.CB.30 | Oxyvanite | V3+2V4+O5 |
| 4.CB.30 | Berdesinskiite | V3+2TiO5 |
| 4.CB.30 | Kaitianite | Ti3+2Ti4+O5 |
| 4.CB.35 | Machiite | Al2Ti3O9 |
| 4.CB.35 | Vestaite | (Ti4+Fe2+)Ti4+3O9 |
| 4.CB.35 | Olkhonskite | (Cr,V)2Ti3O9 |
| 4.CB.35 | Schreyerite | V3+2Ti4+3O9 |
| 4.CB.40 | Zincorinmanite-(Zn) | Zn2Sb2(Fe3+4Zn2)O14(OH)2 |
| 4.CB.40 | Majindeite | Mg2Mo3O8 |
| 4.CB.40 | Almagreraite | CuZnMn4+3O8 |
| 4.CB.40 | Kamiokite | Fe2Mo3O8 |
| 4.CB.40 | Nolanite | V3+8Fe3+2O14(OH)2 |
| 4.CB.40 | Iseite | Mn2Mo3O8 |
| 4.CB.40 | Rinmanite | Zn2Sb2Mg2Fe4O14(OH)2 |
| 4.CB.45 | Stibioclaudetite | AsSbO3 |
| 4.CB.45 | Claudetite | As2O3 |
| 4.CB.50 | Senarmontite | Sb2O3 |
| 4.CB.50 | Arsenolite | As2O3 |
| 4.CB.55 | Valentinite | Sb2O3 |
| 4.CB.65 | Sphaerobismoite | Bi2O3 |
| 4.CB.70 | Sillénite | Bi12SiO20 |
| 4.CB.75 | Kyzylkumite | V3+Ti2O5(OH) |
| 4.CB.80 | 'Tietaiyangite' | Fe3+4Fe2+TiO9 |
| 4.CB.85 | Liuite | FeTiO3 |
| 4.CB.90 | Luogufengite | Fe2O3 |
| 4.CB.95 | Wangdaodeite | FeTiO3 |
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Bismite in petrology
An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.
Internet Links for Bismite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-682.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Bismite
Reference List:
Sillén, Lars Gunnar (1940) Die Kristallstruktur des monoklinen α-Bi2O3. Die Naturwissenschaften, 28 (13). 206-207 doi:10.1007/bf01498757
Frondel, Clifford (1943) The mineralogy of the oxides and carbonates of bismuth. American Mineralogist, 28 (9-10) 521-535
Gattow, G.; Schröder, H. (1962) Über Wismutoxide. III. Die Kristallstruktur der Hochtemperaturmodifikation von Wismut(III)-oxid (δ-Bi2O3). Zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine Chemie, 318 (3). 176-189 doi:10.1002/zaac.19623180307
Ivanov, S. A.; Tellgren, R.; Rundlöf, H.; Orlov, V. G. (2001) Structural studies of α-Bi2O3 by neutron powder diffraction. Powder Diffraction, 16 (4). 227-230 doi:10.1154/1.1401200
Liu, Guo, Li, Shuai, Lu, Yuanyuan, Zhang, Jing, Feng, Zhaochi, Li, Can (2016) Controllable synthesis of α-Bi2O3 and γ-Bi2O3 with high photocatalytic activity by α-Bi2O3→γ-Bi2O3→α-Bi2O3 transformation in a facile precipitation method. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 689. 787-799 doi:10.1016/j.jallcom.2016.08.047
Masina, Sikhumbuzo M.; Nkala, Gugulethu C.; Stone, Kevin H.; Olds, Daniel; Billing, Caren; Billing, David G. (2025) Probing the local structure of Bi2O3 chemical derivatives: the neglected cation sublattice. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials, 81 (6). 595-604 doi:10.1107/s2052520625009400(on δ-Bi2O3)
Localities for Bismite
Showing 300 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Argentina | |
| Marquez-Zavalia et al. (2012) |
Australia | |
| Gilligan et al. (1993) |
| Rankin et al. (2002) +1 other reference |
| Haupt et al. (2025) | |
| Sharpe et al. (2004) | |
| Leverett et al. (2005) |
| Cendón et al. (2004) |
| Ryan (1961) |
| Ryan (1961) | |
| E. Stevens & R. Bottrill |
| Qld Dept of Mines +1 other reference |
| |
| Brown (1899) |
| Noble et al. (1983) |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
| Anon (2013) | |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
| |
| Bridge et al. (1974) |
| Hodge (1970) |
| Simpson (1948) |
| Calderwood +2 other references |
Austria | |
| |
| Indra |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Steiner et al. (2020) |
| Auer (2022) |
| Exel (1993) |
| Auer (2024) |
Belgium | |
| Jedwab et al. (1982) |
Bolivia | |
| Federico Ahlfeld y Jorge Muñoz Reyes (1955) |
| Hatløy (2013) |
| Franco (2018) |
| Jiménez-Franco et al. (2018) | |
| Jiménez-Franco et al. (2018) | |
| Ahlfeld 1955 |
| Wilson (2001) |
| Salomon Rivas y Federico Ahlfeld (1998) |
| Smith et al. (2001) +1 other reference |
Brazil | |
| Pires et al. (2020) |
| Berger et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| Berger et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| João Adauto Souza Neto (2001) +1 other reference |
| Daniel Atencio et al. (1991) |
Canada | |
| Peatfield (n.d.) |
| Dr. Günter Grundmann collection |
| Richard Gunter Collection | |
| Vale SA |
| Spence (1930) +1 other reference |
| Canadian Museum of Nature specimens XRD ... |
Chile | |
| Zentilli et al. (2026) |
China | |
| Huan Hu et al. (2001) |
| Chunlian Xiao (2008) |
| Zhiping Li (1998) |
| Yingchen Ren et al. (1986) |
| Dr. Wing Tak Lui collection |
| Xu Yong (2000) +1 other reference |
| Liangsheng Ge et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Chen et al. (1992) |
Czech Republic | |
| Zachariáš et al. (2014) |
| Journal of Geosciences 54:15-56 +1 other reference |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
| Sejkora et al. (2025) |
| |
| Sejkora et al. (2006) |
| Pauliš P. Nejzajímavější ... |
| Gramblička (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Sejkora (1998) |
| SEJKORA et al. (2026) |
| Pauliš et al. (2022) |
DR Congo | |
| |
Egypt | |
| Ali et al. (2021) |
Europe | |
| Paulis et al. (2003) |
Finland | |
| Ilkka Mikkola collection |
| Ilkka Mikkola collection | |
| Tuisku (2010) |
| Hector et al. (2023) |
France | |
| G. Aubert : "Les coupoles granitiques de Montebras et d'Echassières (Massif Central Français) |
| Aubert (1969) |
| |
| Devismes (1978) |
| Wittern et al. (1997) |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Lheur (2023) |
| Patrice Queneau Collection. Visual ... |
| GAYRAUD (2010) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1989) |
| Walenta (1992) |
| |
| |
| Walenta (1992) | |
| Markl (1992) |
| |
| Joachim et al. (1993) |
| Habel (2001) +1 other reference |
| Habel (2000) |
| Habel (1995) |
| Dill et al. (2009) |
| Dill et al. (2012) | |
| web.archive.org (2001) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Belendorff (2021) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Belendorff (2021) |
| Magma 1984 (2) |
| Weiß (1990) +1 other reference |
| Dreyer et al. (1981) +1 other reference |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Hajek (2010) |
| Massanek et al. (2005) |
| Jahn (1999) |
| www.mineralienatlas.de (2016) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Witzke et al. (2001) |
Greece | |
| Voudouris et al. (2008) |
| Solomos et al. (2004) |
| Schnorrer et al. (1999) +1 other reference | |
| Christos L. Stergiou et al. (2022) |
| Fitros et al. (2017) |
India | |
| Doroshkevich et al. (2009) |
Iran | |
| Nezafatis (2006) |
Italy | |
| - (n.d.) |
| Ghizzoni et al. (2005) |
| Ghizzoni et al. (2005) | |
| Ghizzoni et al. (2005) | |
| Ghizzoni et al. (2005) | |
| Ghizzoni et al. (2005) | |
| Gentile et al. (2023) |
| Ambrino et al. (2009) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Orlandi et al. (2013) +1 other reference |
| - (n.d.) |
| Caboni et al. (2018) |
| Deidda et al. (2021) | |
| Bortolozzi et al. (2013) |
Japan | |
| 浜地忠男 (1961) +1 other reference |
| Harada et al. (2016) +1 other reference |
| Hori Mineralogy |
| Sadanaga et al. (1974) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Chen Xuanhua et al. (2010) |
Madagascar | |
| Besaire (1966) |
| Michel Arliguie collection. |
| Behier (1959) |
| Behier (1960) +1 other reference |
| Larsen (2003) | |
| Ungemach (1916) |
| Ranorosoa (1986) |
| Behier (1960) |
| Behier (1957) |
| Ranorosoa (1986) |
| Lacroix (1922) +1 other reference |
Mexico | |
| Panczner (1987) |
Morocco | |
| Ilmen et al. (2026) |
Mozambique | |
| Gomes et al. (2022) |
Myanmar | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data |
Namibia | |
| Keller et al. (1989) |
| |
| Jahn et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Dunning et al. (1998) |
| von Bezing (2007) |
Netherlands | |
|
San Nicolás Mine, Valle de la Serena, Badajoz, Extremadura, Spain