Esquema molecular
Magnesite
MgCO₃
Description
Magnesite is a mineral composed of magnesium carbonate, typically found in metamorphic rocks and as a primary component of serpentinite, a rock formed from the alteration of ultramafic rocks.
Chemical composition
Chemical formula
MgCO₃
Classification
Carbonatos
Crystal system
Hexagonal
Luster
Vitreo
Streak
blanco
Density
2.9 g/cm³
Temperatura de fusión
1800 °C
Mohs Scale — 3.5/10
Referencia: Fluorita
Color
white
Usos
Uso cotidiano
Used in producing refractory materials and in the production of magnesium oxide.
Uso industrial
Essential for the production of magnesium metal and its compounds, as well as for agriculture as a soil conditioner.
Similar minerals
Compare species
| Properties | Magnesite | Calcite | Dolomite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical formula | MgCO₃ | CaCO₃ | CaMg(CO₃)₂ |
| Classification | Carbonatos | Carbonates | Carbonates |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | trigonal | rhomboédrico |
| Hardness | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 |
| Density | 2.9 g/cm³ | 2.71 g/cm³ | 2.85 g/cm³ |
| Luster | Vitreo | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | blanco | White | White |
| Cleavage | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Transparency | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
Similar minerals: dolomite · calcite
Derivatives and uses
Used in the production of magnesium carbonate and as a refractory material.
Geographic distribution
Extraction countries: Bulgaria, Turquía, Chequia, Estados Unidos
Galería de la comunidad
Periodic table
Contains elements: Mg · C · O
Carbon
#6 · Nonmetals
