Properties of Magnesite

Magnesite is a mineral composed of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). It is a white, gray, or colorless crystalline solid that often occurs in nature as part of metamorphic rocks. Magnesite is an important source of magnesium, which is a crucial element for various biological processes and industrial applications.

Image of magnesite mineral
Credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com - CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of magnesite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Magnesite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaMgCO3
Molar Mass84.314 g/mol
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Mohs Hardness3.5 - 4.5
Density2980 - 3500 kg/m3
ColorColorless, white, grayish white, yellowish white, or brownish white
DiaphaneityTransparent, translucent, to opaque
LusterVitreous (glassy)
Cleavage(1011) perfect
FractureBrittle, conchoidal
StreakWhite, gray

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.