It is a component of some cosmetics, and has been used as such since ancient times, as its plate-like structure of alternating layers of bismuth, oxygen, and chlorine atoms gives its suspensions a pleasing pearlescent light reflectivity similar to nacre.
It is a component of some cosmetics, and has been used as such since antiquity, notably in ancient Egypt. Light wave interferece from its plate-like structure of alternating layers of bismuth, oxygen, and chlorine atoms gives its suspensions a pearly iridescent light reflectivity similar to nacre.