Magnesite is magnesium carbonate, MgCO3. Iron (as Fe2+) substitutes for Mg with a complete solution series with siderite, FeCO3. Calcium, manganese, cobalt, and nickel may also occur in small amounts. Dolomite, (Mg,Ca)CO3, is almost indistinguishable from magnesite.
Magnesite occurrs as veins in and an alteration product of serpentine and other magnesium rich rock types in both contact and regional metamorphic terranes. These magnesites often are cryptocrystalline and contain silica as opal or chert.
References and external links
Dana's Manual of Mineralogy ISBN 0471032883
Mineral Galleries (http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/carbonat/magnesit/magnesit.htm)
MAGNESITE, a mineral consisting of magnesium carbonate, MgCO 3, and belonging to the calcite group of rhombohedral carbonates.
The name magnesite as originally applied by J. Delametherie in 1797 included several minerals containing magnesium, and at the present day it is used by French writers for meerschaum.
Magnesite is a product of alteration of magnesium silicates, and occurs as veins and patches in serpentine, talc-schist or dolomiterock.
Caustic magnesite is not thoroughly calcined, 3% to 4% of carbon dioxide being left; mixed with magnesium chloride it makes oxychloride cement, which is extensively used for floorings and as a stucco.
Magnesite is also used in the manufacture of Epsom salts, face powder, boiler wrappings, and disinfectants.
Effect of calcined magnesite on soil and Pinus radiata foliage magnesium in pumice soils of New Zealand.
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