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Sphaerobismoite

A valid IMA mineral species
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About SphaerobismoiteHide

Formula:
Bi2O3
Colour:
Green, pale yellow, gray
Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine
Hardness:
4
Specific Gravity:
7.17 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Name:
For the form of the aggregates and the composition.
Dimorph of:
The natural analogue of synthetic β-Bi2O3. A metastable polymorph of bismite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
7308
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:7308:6

IMA Classification of SphaerobismoiteHide

Approved
IMA Formula:
Bi3+2O3
Approval year:
1993

Classification of SphaerobismoiteHide

4.CB.65

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
4.3.13.1

4 : SIMPLE OXIDES
3 : A2X3

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
SbmIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of SphaerobismoiteHide

Sub-Adamantine
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Green, pale yellow, gray
Comment:
Semitransparent
Streak:
White
Hardness:
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
7.17 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of SphaerobismoiteHide

Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 2.13 nε = 2.18
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.050
Based on recorded range of RI values above.

Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.

Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.

Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.

Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
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
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic (convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.

For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.

Chemistry of SphaerobismoiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Bi2O3
Element Weights:
Element% weight
Bi89.699 %
O10.301 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Bi
O
Common Impurities:
As

Crystallography of SphaerobismoiteHide

Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.02(2) Å, c = 6.46(2) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 0.805
Unit Cell V:
415.51 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Comment:
Space group P42/n or P42212. Synthetic material is reported to have space group P-421c (Blower & Greaves, 1988).

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0010069SphaerobismoiteBlower S K, Greaves C (1988) The structure of beta-Bi2O3 from powder neutron diffraction data Acta Crystallographica C44 587-5891988synthetic0293
0015772SphaerobismoiteGattow G, Schutze D (1964) Uber Wismutoxide. VI. Uber ein Wismut(III)-oxid mit hoherem sauerstoffgehalt (beta-modifikation) Zeitschrift fur Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie 328 44-681964synthetic0293
0015771SphaerobismoiteGattow G, Schutze D (1964) Uber Wismutoxide. VI. Uber ein Wismut(III)-oxid mit hoherem sauerstoffgehalt (beta-modifikation) Zeitschrift fur Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie 328 44-681964synthetic0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.16 Å(100)
5.73 Å(70)
1.902 Å(60)
3.44 Å(50)
2.02 Å(50)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):

Type Occurrence of SphaerobismoiteHide

General Appearance of Type Material:
Tabular, crystals to 20 µm, tetragonal outline possible, forming spherulitic aggregates.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
n.d.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidation product of wittichenite and emplectite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:

Synonyms of SphaerobismoiteHide

Other Language Names for SphaerobismoiteHide

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
2 photos of Sphaerobismoite associated with BismuthiniteBi2S3
1 photo of Sphaerobismoite associated with TyroliteCa2Cu9(AsO4)4(CO3)(OH)8 · 11H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

4.CB.Magnesiohögbomite-6N12SMg5Al11TiO23(OH)Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m
4.CB.KidoditeBaMg2Fe16O27Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
4.CB.Ferrohögbomite-2N2S[(Fe2+,Mg,Zn,Al)3(Al,Ti,Fe3+)8O15(OH)]2Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.Zhenruite(MoO3)2 · H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
4.CB.FuyuaniteMg7Nb6O18(OH)8Trig. 3 : P3
4.CB.VirgilluethiteMoO3 · H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
4.CB.Pengite(Pb8Sb3+3)Σ11Sb5+9O35Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m
4.CB.05BrizziiteNaSb5+O3Trig. 3 : R3
4.CB.05TistariteTi3+2O3Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c
4.CB.05HematiteFe2O3Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c
4.CB.05EcandrewsiteZnTiO3Trig. 3 : R3
4.CB.05MelanostibiteMn2+2Fe3+Sb5+O6Trig. 3 : R3
4.CB.05'UM1998-11-O-AuHSb'Au+2Sb3+O2(OH)
4.CB.05KarelianiteV3+2O3Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c
4.CB.05CorundumAl2O3Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c
4.CB.05EskolaiteCr2O3Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c
4.CB.05GeikieliteMgTiO3Trig. 3 : R3
4.CB.05AkimotoiteMgSiO3Trig. 3 : R3
4.CB.05'Unnamed (Fe-Cr Oxide)'FeCrO3Trig. 3 : R3
4.CB.05'Auroantimonate'AuSbO3
4.CB.05HemleyiteFe2+SiO3Trig. 3 : R3
4.CB.05IlmeniteFe2+TiO3Trig. 3 : R3
4.CB.05PyrophaniteMn2+TiO3Trig. 3 : R3
4.CB.10Bixbyite-(Fe)(Fe,Mn)2O3Iso.
4.CB.10Bixbyite-(Mn)Mn3+2O3Iso. m3(2/m3) : Ia3
4.CB.10AvicenniteTl3+2O3Iso. m3(2/m3) : Ia3
4.CB.15ArmalcoliteMgTi4+2O5Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
4.CB.15FerropseudobrookiteFe2+Ti4+2O5Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm
4.CB.15GriffiniteAl2Ti4+O5Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm
4.CB.15Pseudobrookite Group
4.CB.15SassiteTi3+2Ti4+O5Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm
4.CB.15PseudobrookiteFe3+2Ti4+O5Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm
4.CB.20Zincovelesite-6N6SZn3(Fe3+,Mn3+,Al,Ti)8O15(OH)Trig. 3m(32/m) : P3m1
4.CB.20Magnesiohögbomite-2N4S(Mg8.43Fe2+1.57)Σ=10Al22Ti4+2O46(OH)2Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.20Magnesiobeltrandoite-2N3S(Mg6Al2)(Al18Fe3+2)O38(OH)2 Trig. 3m : P3m1
4.CB.20Zincohögbomite-2N6S[(Zn,Mg)7(Al,Fe3+,Ti)16O31(OH)]2Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.20Magnesiohögbomite-6N6S[(Mg,Fe2+)3(Al,Ti,Fe3+)8O15(OH)]6Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m
4.CB.20Magnesiohögbomite-2N3S[(Mg,Fe2+,Zn)4(Al,Ti,Fe3+)10O19(OH)]2Trig. 3m(32/m) : P31m
4.CB.20Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S[(Mg,Fe2+)3[Al7(Ti,Fe3+)]O15(OH)]2Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.20'Ferrohögbomite-6N12S'[(Fe2+,Mg,Zn)5(Al,Ti,Fe3+)12O23(OH)]6Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m
4.CB.20Zincohögbomite-2N2S[(Zn,Al,Fe2+)3(Al,Fe3+,Ti)8O15(OH)]2Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.25KleberiteFeTi6O11(OH)5Mon. 2/m : P21/b
4.CB.25PseudorutileFe3+2Ti4+3O9Hex. 622 : P6322
4.CB.30OxyvaniteV3+2V4+O5Mon. 2/m : B2/b
4.CB.30BerdesinskiiteV3+2TiO5Mon.
4.CB.30KaitianiteTi3+2Ti4+O5Mon. 2/m : B2/b
4.CB.35MachiiteAl2Ti3O9Mon. 2/m : B2/b
4.CB.35Vestaite(Ti4+Fe2+)Ti4+3O9Mon. 2/m : B2/b
4.CB.35Olkhonskite(Cr,V)2Ti3O9Mon.
4.CB.35SchreyeriteV3+2Ti4+3O9Mon. 2/m : B2/b
4.CB.40Zincorinmanite-(Zn)Zn2Sb2(Fe3+4Zn2)O14(OH)2Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.40MajindeiteMg2Mo3O8Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.40AlmagreraiteCuZnMn4+3O8Orth. mm2 : Pmn21
4.CB.40KamiokiteFe2Mo3O8Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.40NolaniteV3+8Fe3+2O14(OH)2Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.40IseiteMn2Mo3O8Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.CB.40RinmaniteZn2Sb2Mg2Fe4O14(OH)2Hex. 6 : P63
4.CB.45StibioclaudetiteAsSbO3Mon. 2/m : P21/m
4.CB.45ClaudetiteAs2O3Mon. 2/m
4.CB.50SenarmontiteSb2O3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Fd3m
4.CB.50ArsenoliteAs2O3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Fd3m
4.CB.55ValentiniteSb2O3Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pccn
4.CB.60BismiteBi2O3Mon. 2/m : P21/b
4.CB.70SilléniteBi12SiO20Iso. 23 : I23
4.CB.75KyzylkumiteV3+Ti2O5(OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
4.CB.80'Tietaiyangite'Fe3+4Fe2+TiO9Hex.
4.CB.85LiuiteFeTiO3Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
4.CB.90LuogufengiteFe2O3Orth. mm2 : Pna21
4.CB.95WangdaodeiteFeTiO3Trig. 3m : R3c

Other InformationHide

Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Internet Links for SphaerobismoiteHide

References for SphaerobismoiteHide

Localities for SphaerobismoiteHide

Showing 6 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Austria
 
  • Styria
    • Bruck-Mürzzuschlag District
      • Krieglach
        • Teschengraben
Auer (2022)
    • Murtal District
      • Spielberg
        • Flatschach
          • Cu deposit (Schönberg)
Jakely (Hrsg.)
Germany (TL)
 
  • Baden-Württemberg
    • Freiburg Region
      • Rottweil
        • Schenkenzell
          • Wittichen
Jambor et al. (1996)
    • Karlsruhe Region
      • Calw
Am. Min. (1996) +1 other reference
Hungary
 
  • Pest County
    • Szob District
      • Nagybörzsöny
Erik Vercammen collection
Mozambique
 
  • Zambezia Province
    • Alto Mólocuè District
Gomes et al. (2022)
 
and/or  
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