Magnesite crystals belong to the cubic crystal system of carbonate minerals, usually in the form of grains or dense blocks of cryptocrystalline material. The latter is also known as ceramic magnesite, white or gray white, with iron content ranging from yellow to brown and a glassy luster. The composition of magnesite is mainly MgCO3, with iron and manganese often replacing magnesium, but the iron content of natural magnesite is generally not high. It has complete rhombohedral cleavage, while porcelain like magnesite has shell like fracture surfaces. Mohs hardness of 3.5-4.5, specific gravity of 2.9-3.1.
Mineral Introduction
Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate mineral that is the main source of magnesium. When a solution containing magnesium acts on calcite, it will turn it into magnesite, so magnesite also belongs to the calcite group. Rocks rich in magnesium can also transform into magnesite. Magnesite often contains iron, which is the result of iron or manganese replacing magnesium. Magnesite is white or gray white, with a glassy luster, and iron containing magnesite appears yellow to brown. If crystals appear, it is granular; if crystals do not appear, it is blocky. In addition to extracting magnesium, magnesite can also be used as a refractory material and a compound for producing magnesium.
