AllMineralsRock
Magnesite
Magnesite is a popular mineral composed of magnesium carbonate. [1]
Magnesite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Magnesite:- Transparency: Magnesite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, magnesite can be hexagonal or trigonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, magnesite can be dull or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Magnesite streaks white.
- Hardness: Magnesite's hardness ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Magnesite's specific gravity ranges from 3 to 3.12.
Magnesite: Background and Summary
Magnesite is a mineral that is composed of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). It is a white or grayish-white mineral that can be easily identified by its characteristic appearance and physical properties. Magnesite is usually found in the form of masses or veins in metamorphic rocks such as serpentinite, dolomite, and limestone. It is also found in deposits associated with hydrothermal activity.Magnesite has a hardness of 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, a specific gravity of 3.0 to 3.2, and a vitreous to pearly luster. It is usually opaque, but some specimens may be translucent. Magnesite is sometimes confused with other minerals such as calcite, dolomite, and aragonite, but it can be distinguished from them by its lower hardness and specific gravity.
Magnesite has several industrial uses. It is a source of magnesium oxide (MgO), which is used in the production of refractory materials, cement, and fertilizers. It is also used as a filler in plastics, rubber, and paper. Magnesite is sometimes used as a substitute for asbestos in insulation materials due to its heat-resistant properties. In addition, magnesite is used in the production of magnesium metal, which is used in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Magnesite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Magnesite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | MgCO3 |
| Chemical Composition | magnesium carbonate |
| Specific Gravity | 3, 3.12 |
| Hardness | 3.5, 4.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.509, 1.717 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: pink, yellow sometimes: brown, green less common: gray, pale, rose, white, orange, colorless |
| Solubility | Soluble in hot HCl |
| Category | carbonate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.191 |
Magnesite: FAQ
Q: Is magnesite a rare mineral?A: Magnesite is not a rare mineral, but it is not commonly found in large quantities.
Q: Is magnesite toxic?
A: Magnesite is not toxic, but it can cause skin irritation if handled improperly.
Q: Can magnesite be used in jewelry?
A: Magnesite is sometimes used as a substitute for turquoise in jewelry, but it is not as valuable or durable as turquoise.
Q: Where is magnesite found?
A: Magnesite is found in many parts of the world, including Austria, China, Greece, India, and the United States.
Sources
- "Magnesite." Mindat.org. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.mindat.org/min-2527.html.- "Magnesite." Geology.com. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://geology.com/minerals/magnesite.shtml.
- Magnesite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesite
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