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How is bismuth oxychloride produced from bismuth ores?

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A labeled periodic table element box for bismuth shows atomic number 83, symbol Bi, atomic weight 208.9804, electron configuration, and properties including solid state, rhombohedral crystal structure, and weakly acidic oxides. — bismuth Properties of bismuth.

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) is produced from bismuth oxide or carbonate ores through a process of leaching and precipitation. The ore is first leached using concentrated hydrochloric acid to dissolve the bismuth. Once the bismuth is in solution, the addition of water causes the oxychloride to precipitate out.1

In laboratory or analytical settings, bismuth oxychloride can also be prepared by adding hydrochloric acid to a nitric acid solution containing bismuth and pouring the resulting mixture into a large volume of water to induce precipitation. Additionally, it can be formed through the reaction of an acid solution of bismuth nitrate with a solution of sodium chloride.12

While bismuth oxychloride is a final product used in various applications—such as providing a pearlescent quality in cosmetics—it also serves as an intermediate in the production of metallic bismuth, which can be obtained by heating the precipitated oxychloride with lime and charcoal.1