Try for Free
tab list
Rock Identifier
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية

Hydromagnesite

Hydromagnesite

A species of Minerals, Also known as Hydromagnesite (of Wachmeister), Idromagnesite

Hydromagnesite is formed when certain magnesium-containing minerals are weathered down. The mineral not particularly common, and it's most often found in caves, so most people don't have much direct contact with it. Because it gives off water and carbon dioxide when it decomposes, hydromagnesite is used in flame retardants.

Hardness
Hardness:

3.5

Density
Density:

2.236 g/cm³

General Info About Hydromagnesite

Instantly Identify Rocks with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant rock/gemstone/mineral ID and properties analysis, gaining quick insights on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.
Download the App for Free

Physical Properties of Hydromagnesite

Luster
Pearly, Vitreous, Silky, Dull
Diaphaneity
Transparent
Colors
Colourless to white, colourless in transmitted light
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Tenacity
Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect
Fracture
Uneven
Streak
White
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Hardness
3.5 , Soft
Density
2.236 g/cm³, Obviously Light Weight
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android

Chemical Properties of Hydromagnesite

Chemical Classification
Carbonates
Formula
Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 4H2O
Elements listed
C, H, Mg, O

Discover the Value of Hydromagnesite

Discovering the Diverse Values of Rocks
Unveiling the Rarity, Aesthetics, and Economic Significance of Rocks
Download the App for Free
Rarity
Rare

Characteristics of Hydromagnesite

Your Comprehensive Rock Characteristics Guide
In-depth exploration of rock types, features, and formation aspects
Download the App for Free

Composition of Hydromagnesite

Hydromagnesite thermally decomposes in three stages releasing water and carbon dioxide. The first stage starting at about 220 °C, is the release of the four molecules of water of crystallisation. This is followed at about 330 °C by the decomposition of the hydroxide ion to a further molecule of water. Finally, at about 350 °C carbon dioxide begins to be released. The release of the carbon dioxide can be further broken down into two stages depending on the rate of heating.

Cultural Significance of Hydromagnesite

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Rock Culture
Unveiling the mysteries of rock culture - exploring uses, history, and healing properties, etc
Download the App for Free

Uses of Hydromagnesite

Hydromagnesite is commonly used in industry for its fire retardant properties, and it is incorporated into many plastic products as a fire proofing agent. Research is currently ongoing to determine if hydromagnesite would also be a good flame retardant in electric devices.

Distribution of Hydromagnesite

Microbial deposition of hydromagnesite is also reported from playas in British Columbia. The hydromagnesite-magnesite playas near Atlin, British Columbia are some of the most studied deposits of hydromagnesite. These deposits have been characterized in the context of a biogeochemical model for CO2
sequestration.
One of the largest deposits of hydromagnesite exists in Greece. It consists of a natural mixture with huntite. Local people have used the white mineral as a source of material for whitewashing buildings for centuries. In the mid 20th century the minerals, ground to a fine powder, found use as a filler for rubber shoe soles. The locals used the granite mills designed for grinding wheat. Commercial exploitation of the minerals began in the late 70s and early 80s with the mineral being exported worldwide. The Greek deposit is still operated commercially, although the world's largest commercially operated reserves are in Turkey.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Rock Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant rock ID and answers on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.
Download the App for Free

More Rocks You Might Enjoy

Img topic
Carrollite
Carrollite got its name from where it was discovered - Carroll County in Maryland, USA. The mineral is found in hydrothermal deposits and is often associated with a number of other minerals such as Pyrite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite, and many others. The most beautiful of its octahedral crystals come from the mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Thunder Egg
The Thunder Egg is a geode-like structure of different minerals, usually in crystalline forms, layered together into a solid structure. The outside is normally an ordinary dull gray or brown rock over a layer of brown or red rhyolite, but the inside can contain concentric rings and layers of quartz crystal, chalcedony, agate, and even opal.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Danburite
Danburite is a usually-colorless mineral with a hardness and appearance quite similar to quartz. Relatively rare, it is not often found outside Danbury, Connecticut, where it was first discovered and for which it is named. Occasionally, exceptional danburites are cut and polished into gemstones.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Columbite (mineral group)
Columbite (mineral group) is a family of dark-colored minerals that are mined as a source of the element Niobium. Niobium is itself an important metal used to strengthen alloys - stainless steel, for instance, usually contains small amounts of Niobium. Certain specialist alloys used in aerospace construction also utilize Niobium.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Bournonite
The appearance of bournonite gives clues as to the composition of this iridescent mineral. During the formation process, copper and lead mesh together into unique, cog-shaped crystals. Perfect specimens of this unusual crystalline form fetch very high prices in the collectors market!
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Langite
Langite is a rare mineral mainly found in Australia, Austria, and parts of England and Wales. This beautiful bright blue mineral is the result of oxidation. Because of its color, langite is often confused with wroewolfeite and posnjakite and needs to be differentiated with closer examination.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Axinite (mineral group)
Axinite (mineral group) is a group of four minerals with very similar chemical compositions. Found in colors ranging from brown to pale violet to vermillion, these stones are durable enough to be carved into wearable gemstones. Impressively-colored natural crystal formations are also sought after by collectors.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Microcline
Microcline is a fairly common, potassium-rich mineral in the feldspar group. Found in a wide variety of colors, vibrant specimens are sought after by collectors. Blue or greenish varieties of microcline go under the commercial name Amazonite, and these crystals are often carved or polished to make relatively inexpensive jewelry. On the industrial side, this mineral is used in the creation of ceramics and glass products.
Read More
Arrow