The facts
What magnesite actually is
Mineralogically, magnesite is magnesite — MgCO₃, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by colourless to chalk-white; Fe and Mn give yellow and brown tints. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.509–1.717, and the specific gravity sits near 2.98–3.02; cleavage is perfect rhombohedral.
Where magnesite comes from
The recognised sources are Brumado, Bahia, Brazil (gem crystals), Serra das Éguas, Bahia, Brazil, Bahia and Euboea, Greece and Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How magnesite is treated
Massive porous white magnesite is one of the two great turquoise imitations: it is dyed blue and sold as 'turquoise', 'white turquoise' or 'lemon magnesite', and dyed in every other colour besides. Undyed Brumado crystals are untreated and genuinely fine.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What magnesite is confused with
The usual confusions are Howlite, Turquoise (when dyed), Calcite and Dolomite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.509–1.717 and specific gravity 2.98–3.02 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What magnesite is used for
Magnesite is bought by mineral collecting, jewellery, carving and sculpture and heavy industry — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the carat or by the block.
Durability and care
Hardness 3.5–4.5; cleavage perfect rhombohedral. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What magnesite costs
Indicative pricing for magnesite is Dyed beads pennies per strand; Brumado crystals $50–$2,000; faceted stones $40–$150/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is magnesite treated, and how?
Massive porous white magnesite is one of the two great turquoise imitations: it is dyed blue and sold as 'turquoise', 'white turquoise' or 'lemon magnesite', and dyed in every other colour besides. Undyed Brumado crystals are untreated and genuinely fine.
Where does magnesite come from?
Brumado, Bahia, Brazil (gem crystals), Serra das Éguas, Bahia, Brazil, Bahia and Euboea, Greece and Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is magnesite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does magnesite cost?
Indicatively Dyed beads pennies per strand; Brumado crystals $50–$2,000; faceted stones $40–$150/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is magnesite confused with?
Most often Howlite, Turquoise (when dyed), Calcite and Dolomite. A refractive index of 1.509–1.717 and a specific gravity near 2.98–3.02 separate it quickly.
What is magnesite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and heavy industry. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for magnesite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about magnesite