Magnesite
Magnesite is a mineral formed by the action of magnesium-rich hydrothermal fluids on limestone. After the war, it was distributed as "substitute turquoise" as a replacement for howlite. It usually occurs in massive form, and crystals are extremely rare. Dashiqiao in Liaoning Province, China, is known as a major global production site.
Magnesite, which is white in its base color
Basic Information
| English Name | Magnesite |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | Ryokudo-ko (菱苦土鉱) |
| Chemical Formula | MgCO3 |
| Classification | Trigonal |
| Hardness | 3.5–4.5 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.2 |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
Characteristics & Varieties
- Calcite Group: Belongs to the calcite group and exists as a solid solution, so pure specimens are rare.
- Giobertite: Contains iron, resulting in a yellowish-brown color.
- Australian Varieties: Contains nickel, resulting in a yellowish-green color.
- Massive Habit: Usually occurs in massive form; crystals are extremely rare.
Origin, Aliases, Treatments & Similar Stones
Major Sources: China (Dashiqiao, Liaoning Province), Australia, etc.
Aliases: Magnesite-margol (white variety), Magnesite-turquoise, Magnesite-lapis lazuli.
Treatments: Dyeing (turquoise color, lapis lazuli color, etc.).
Similar Stones: Howlite, marble, white buffalo turquoise
Note: Howlite's matrix is brownish-black, thin, and opaque, while magnesite's matrix is gray and translucent.