Gem Profile- Magnesite

by Judy Ellis

Magnesite is magnesium carbonate and is naturally a whiteish color with brown or cream matrix (lines running through it). Some vendors have labeled magnesite as white buffalo turquoise or chalk turquoise, but magnesite isn't related to turquoise at all - it doesn't contain copper. (Note: some authentic turquoise is also called chalk turquoise - more on that in a later gem profile.)

As shown in the jewelry featured here, magnesite is naturally fairly colorless but takes dye exceptionally well.

Dyed magnesite is a popular, affordable way to achieve turquoise-colored jewelry.

There's nothing wrong with using dyed turquoise magnesite in your pieces just be sure your customer knows exactly what they're buying.

Gina Smith created this turquoise magnesite necklace and earring set with copper wire
and
Marcia Hooten wrapped this Magnesite Square Necklace in sterling silver wire.

Magnesite may also be heat-treated - possibly to stabilize the dye? - but any magnesite jewelry material that has a turquoise color, or lime or pink as well, has been dyed.

Magnesite that has been dyed often has a tiny amount of white dots on the surface.

A sampling of dyed Magnesite Beads

In magnesite that is intended to imitate turquoise, some bead manufacturers may employ a "crazing" method.

Remember the craze effect on your aunt's teacups? Same idea: quickly heating and cooling the stones, possibly with dye, so that there's even more "turquoise matrix" to appreciate.

Again, there is nothing wrong with using treated magnesite, as long as all parties involved are aware!

Magnesite is found worldwide, including in the United States, Austria, and Brazil.

It is best suited for pendants and earrings, and I don't recommend using it in rings or bracelets that are bumped frequently.

Natural magnesite is soluble in saltwater, so avoid wearing it while swimming. It is also soft and scratchable, with a Mohs hardness of 3.5 4.5, which is softer than turquoise (5-6).

If your magnesite is dyed, clean it with a cloth rather than soaking it in a cleaning solution to protect the color.

Metaphysically, magnesite is valued for aiding meditation, relaxing the mind, opening the heart chakra, boosting self-love, and raising self-esteem.

A natural remedy for restless sleep is to place magnesite under your pillow unless you're extremely sensitive!

Linda Barton wrapped a turquoise magnesite stone in copper wire and suspended it on a necklace with copper and real turquoise beads.

Raw magnesite is often fluorescent - so if you go black-light bowling or to a fun Halloween party, this might be a fun jewelry piece to wear. However, before you make a special piece, test your magnesite under a black light, because the way that it's been cabbed or finished may have altered how it fluoresces.

Resources & Recommended Reading

Magnesite on Wikipedia
Magnesite Healing Properties: www.healing-crystals-for-you.com
Magnesite on Mindat
Turquoise on Wikipedia

Gem Profile- Magnesite

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