Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate mineral, which is the main source of magnesium. When the solution containing magnesium acts on the calcite, it will change the calcite into magnesite, so the magnesite belongs to the calcite group.
The main ingredient of magnesite is (MgCO3), hardness 3.5~5, produced in Zimbabwe, Brazil, Australia and China, there are some beaded necklaces made of magnesite on the market, which are inexpensive and high-quality accessories.
All kinds of magnesite
Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate mineral, which is the main source of magnesium. When the solution containing magnesium acts on the calcite, it will change the calcite into magnesite, so the magnesite belongs to the calcite group. Magnesium-rich rocks also change into magnesite. Magnesite often contains iron, which is the result of iron or manganese replacing magnesium. Magnesite white or off-white, glassy luster, iron containing magnesite will appear yellow to brown. If a crystal is present, it is granular, if no crystal is present, it is blocky. In addition to extracting magnesium, magnesite can also be used as refractory materials and magnesium compounds.
Magnesite is not easy to form good crystals, usually in the form of rock. The properties of magnesite are similar to those of calcite. Magnesite has the same crystal structure as calcite, so it is classified into the calcite mineral group. The appearance of magnesite and dolomite is similar, difficult to distinguish. However, MgCO3 does not react with weak acids, while calcite CaCO3 reacts with weak acids. This is the best way to distinguish magnesite from calcite
Physical and chemical properties
White or light yellow white, gray white, sometimes with light red hue, iron is yellow to brown, brown; Ceramics are mostly snowy white. Glass luster. Complete cleavage. The porcelain has a shell fracture. Hardness 4~4.5. It is brittle. The relative density is 2.9~3.1. The density and refractive index of iron content increased. Cryptocrystalline magnesite is dense block, appearance like unglazed porcelain, so it is also called porcelain magnesite
