Judging quality
Natural magnesite is chalky white with brown-grey veining. Vivid colored 'magnesite' beads are dyed, which is common and inexpensive.
Carbonate
Magnesite
White magnesium carbonate, usually massive with a porcelain-like texture crossed by grey veining. Frequently dyed to imitate turquoise or lapis.
Care
Porous and soft. Keep away from oils and colorants.
History & lore
Magnesite is the primary source of magnesia refractory brick, which lines steel furnaces worldwide.
Cultural history, recorded as tradition rather than as medical or scientific claim.
Common questions about Magnesite
- What is Magnesite?
- White magnesium carbonate, usually massive with a porcelain-like texture crossed by grey veining. Frequently dyed to imitate turquoise or lapis.
- How hard is Magnesite and what is it made of?
- Magnesite is a Carbonate-family mineral with the composition MgCO3. It crystallizes in the trigonal system and rates 3.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It occurs in white, cream.
- Where does Magnesite come from?
- Notable localities for Magnesite include Brazil, China, Austria, Australia.
- How do you tell good Magnesite from filler?
- Natural magnesite is chalky white with brown-grey veining. Vivid colored 'magnesite' beads are dyed, which is common and inexpensive.
- How do you care for Magnesite?
- Porous and soft. Keep away from oils and colorants.
See it in person
Photographs only go so far
Both rooms are open six days a week, and there is always someone happy to pull pieces out of the case so you can compare them under the light.