 Bismuth oxychloride ( BiOCl ) is sometimes used in cosmetics , as a pigment in paint for eye shadows , hair sprays and nail polishes . This compound is found as the mineral bismoclite and in crystal form contains layers of atoms ( see figure above ) that refract light chromatically , resulting in an iridescent appearance similar to nacre of pearl . It was used as a cosmetic in ancient Egypt and in many places since . Bismuth white ( also " Spanish white " ) can refer to either bismuth oxychloride or bismuth oxynitrate ( BiONO3 ) , when used as a white pigment . 
