Guide
Magnesite specimens for sale
11 for sale · $50–$3,000 USD
134 in the gallery
Magnesite is a carbonate mineral composed of magnesium carbonate, commonly forming in sedimentary environments as ooidal, radiating, or tabular crystals. It often exhibits a white to pale brown color with a vitreous to silky luster and can occur in masses or small, well-formed crystals. In the field, it is frequently associated with other carbonates and can form sizable vein fills, nodules, or crystalline aggregates that are attractive under good lighting.
- Formula
- MgCO3
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Carbonate mineral; Strunz 5.AA
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- trigonal
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5–4.5
- Specific gravity
- 3–3.12
- Luster
- vitreous, dull
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent, opaque
- Color
- colorless, white, gray, yellow, brown, pink
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- rhombohedral, prismatic, granular, massive, fibrous, botryoidal
- Gem mineral
Buy Magnesite specimens
View all 11Where Magnesite is found
Top localities
- Brumado52 specimens
- Oberdrauburg2 specimens
- Bou Beker1 specimen
- Crodo gneiss quarries1 specimen
- Leiping Mine1 specimen
- Minas Gerais1 specimen
- Morro Velho mine1 specimen
- Oberdorf1 specimen
- Styria1 specimen
- Traversella Mine1 specimen
Guides
All guides
Guide
Magnesite from Styria, Austria
Magnesite - Styrian specimens pair snow-white rhombohedra with pinolite textures and banded forms; formation, appearance, and notable Austrian localities.Read guide
Guide
Magnesite from Brumado, Brazil
Brumado magnesite - Brazilian locality in Bahia producing display crystals, often with tourmaline or florencite; prized by collectors for contrast and aestheti…Read guideAbout Magnesite
Notable specimens come from Brazil, Austria, Italy, Norway, and China, where hydrothermal activity and carbonate-rich formations produce impressive crystal groups and well-terminated tabular crystals. Collectors prize magnesite for its often striking translucence in thin edges, subtle color zoning, and the ease with which small to medium-sized crystals can be prepared for display. Its relatively accessible hardness and common occurrence in classic mining districts make it a familiar yet rewarding target for both new and experienced collectors who appreciate clear, simple crystal forms and classic carbonate aesthetics.
