Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate mineral with the same crystal structure as calcite. It usually forms when magnesium-rich rocks such as serpentine or dolomite are exposed to carbon dioxide-rich water.
About Magnesite:
Magnesite has a white to greyish color but can also be found in shades of brown, pink, or even a light green depending on the presence of impurities. It can form in interestingly shaped crystals or can be granular or massive in form.
Features:
Design: In its raw form, magnesite usually appears as chalky white, but it can take on a range of colors depending on impurities. It may form large, rhombohedral crystals, or it may be fine-grained or amorphous.
Unique Properties: Magnesite has a hardness of 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, so it's relatively soft. It's often used for carving, and it has a high luster when polished.
Uses:
Industry: Magnesite is a key source of magnesium, which is an important component in the manufacture of refractory materials like fire bricks and furnace linings. It's also used to produce magnesium oxide for use in agricultural, chemical, and industrial applications.
Jewelry: Magnesite is often dyed and used as a cheap substitute for turquoise in jewelry. Natural magnesite also has a unique beauty that can be appreciated in its own right.
Metaphysical: Magnesite is said to have calming properties, assisting with relaxation and meditation. It's also believed to encourage positive life changes and enhance one's creative visualization.
Perfect For:
Collectors: Collectors appreciate the unique, rhombohedral crystals and the variety of colors in magnesite specimens.
Jewelry Makers: Its ability to take a high polish and its relative softness make magnesite suitable for carving into beads and other jewelry components.
Healers: People interested in crystal healing value magnesite for its purported metaphysical properties.
In summary, magnesite is a versatile mineral that's used in various industries, as well as in the creation of jewelry and in metaphysical practices. Its unique properties and diverse uses make it an interesting mineral to collect and work with.
