Magnesite (MgCO3) is a carbonate mineral which is an important natural source of magnesium. It occurs as crystalline deposits in many parts of the world and is an essential raw material used in various industrial applications.
Physical Properties
Magnesite forms colorless, white, gray or yellow crystals in the hexagonal crystal system. It has a hardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale which makes it quite soft. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.9-3.2 depending on the quantity of impurities present. Magnesite has a white powdery appearance and is somewhat translucent in thin sections. When heated strongly, it decomposes into magnesium oxide (MgO) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Occurrence
Magnesite deposits are found in metamorphic and sedimentary rock formations around the world. Some of the major Magnesite producing countries include China, Turkey, South Korea, Russia and Brazil. In China, large magnesite reserves are located in provinces such as Gansu, Guizhou and Sichuan. Extensive deposits also occur in Turkey within the Central Anatolian Massif. Other major occurrences include North and South Carolina in the United States, New Zealand, Greece, Italy, Austria, Serbia and Canada.
Magnesite forms by the sedimentary processes as well as metamorphism of magnesian limestone and dolostone rocks. Hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic igneous rocks rich in Mg also leads to the formation of magnesite ore bodies. Major magnesite deposits occur as veins, irregular replacements and bedded layers within dolomitic marble and metamorphosed dolostone formations.
Uses
Due to its high magnesium content, magnesite has wide industrial applications. Some of the key uses are discussed below:
Refractories - Magnesite is an important constituent of basic refractory materials used to line furnaces, kilns and incinerators operating at high temperatures. Magnesite bricks provide resistance to heat, corrosion and slag attack.
Cement - Magnesite is used as a raw material for the production of basic and magnesium oxychloride cements. It also improves strength and workability in Portland cement.
Agriculture - Finely ground magnesite is used as an important soil conditioner and neutralizing agent in agriculture. It enhances the uptake of phosphorus, potassium and trace nutrients by crops.
Reductant - In metal production, magnesite acts as an important reductant or flux. It lowers the melting point of alloys and removes impurities and oxidation from metals.
Pharmaceuticals - Magnesium salts obtained from magnesite are used as antacids, laxatives and for medicinal purposes. Magnesium carbonate is a constituent of substances like milk of magnesia.
Cosmetics - Talcum powder used in cosmetics contains magnesite which has absorbent and anti-caking properties. It also releases magnesium ions when in contact with skin.
Other minor uses include magnesite as a source of magnesium in chemicals production, paint industry, paper bleaching and water treatment. Its carbonate content is utilized in construction materials, plastics and adhesives manufacturing.
Magnesite is a magnesium-rich carbonate mineral with unique thermal, chemical and mechanical properties. It occurs abundantly around the world and forms an essential raw material base for variety of industrial sectors and applications. The refractory, construction and chemical industries rely heavily on natural and synthetic magnesite to manufacture basic materials and end products. With continued industrial growth, magnesite consumption is projected to rise further globally in the coming years.
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