Collection: Magnesite

Magnesite is a mineral composed primarily of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃). It is an important source of magnesium , a chemical element used in many industrial and medical fields.


🔹 Main Features

  • Chemical formula : MgCO₃

  • Crystal system : Trigonal (often in rhombohedral crystals, but also massive or fibrous)

  • Color : White, gray, yellowish, sometimes tinged with brown or greenish

  • Hardness (Mohs scale) : 3.5 to 4.5

  • Density : Approx. 3.0 g/cm³

  • Luster : Vitreous to dull

  • Transparency : Translucent to opaque


🔹 Training and deposits

Magnesite is formed primarily by hydrothermal alteration or metasomatism of magnesium-rich rocks, such as peridotites or serpentinites . It can also precipitate directly from waters rich in Mg²⁺ and CO₃²⁻, in certain sedimentary environments.

Notable deposits :

  • China (world's largest producer)

  • Türkiye

  • Brazil

  • Slovakia

  • Austria

  • Greece


🔹 Uses

  • Source of metallic magnesium (by reduction)

  • Refractories : used in materials resistant to very high temperatures (for example, in metallurgical furnaces)

  • Chemical industry : production of magnesium compounds (such as magnesium oxide, MgO)

  • Health : sometimes used as a laxative or antacid (purified forms)

  • Ornamentation : some magnesites, naturally or artificially colored, are used as semi-precious stones (often sold as imitations of turquoise)


🔹 Environmental and geological aspects

  • Magnesite has been studied for CO₂ storage because it can form from carbon dioxide and magnesium-rich minerals—a process potentially useful for carbon sequestration .

  • It is a geological indicator of certain ultramafic environments.

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