Magnesite, White Meaning and Properties
White Magnesite History
Believed to have been discovered in 1808, magnesite was named for its composition of mostly magnesium.
The most common color of magnesite is white, with an appearance similar to unglazed porcelain. This variety of magnesite has long been valued for its ability to be carved. Native Americans, including the Pomo Tribes of California, carved white magnesite gemstones into beads for jewelry and currency. The currency beads were valued so highly they were traded individually versus by the strand like most other valued beads.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of White Magnesite?
White magnesite is known for its purported calming properties, helping to improve creative visualization and imagination. White magnesite meaning is associated with deep peace and silent relaxation during meditation, stimulating passion in the heart and helping strengthen bones and teeth. White magnesite is said to open the heart chakra, bringing a sense of personal happiness and love for oneself, with white magnesite meaning being linked to increasing self-esteem.
What is White Magnesite Made From?
Magnesite ranges from translucent to opaque with variable amounts of carbonates, oxides, silicates of iron, calcium, manganese and aluminum that give it a milky appearance. Major deposits of white magnesite can be found in Austria, Italy, Poland and the state of Nevada.
Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate with the same crystal structure as calcite, a calcium carbonate with a hardness and texture similar to white magnesite and marble. Magnesite forms when magnesium-rich rocks such as serpentine or dolomite are exposed to carbon dioxide-rich water.
Though typically white in color, magnesite ranges from yellow to white to grey in its natural form. The translucent to opaque stones can have a web-like pattern and a surprising fluorescing quality under shortwave UV lamps due to the high content of magnesium, which is how they are sometimes found in deep caves in Nevada. Magnesium-rich magnesite is even used as an element in the manufacture of Epsom salts and fireworks.
This stone can be enhanced through dyeing because of its good porosity. The dyed blue-green color makes it an economical simulation of turquoise.
- Mineral Information: Magnesium carbonate, commonly with some iron and calcium
- Chemical Composition: MgCO3
- Color: Colorless, white, grayish-white, yellowish-white, brownish-white
- Hardness: 3-1/2 to 5 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 3.0 – 3.2
- Refractive Index: 1.508 – 1.700
How Do You Clean White Magnesite?
White magnesite is easily scratched, so special care should be taken in cleaning and storing this stone. Use water and a soft cloth to safely clean. Storing in a drawstring bag is a quick-and-easy way to protect the stone from scratches. It is not recommended to use ultrasonic and steam cleaning on dyed magnesite.
White Magnesite FAQ
Q: Is white magnesite really white turquoise?
A: Magnesite and turquoise are different minerals, with different chemical formulae. Due to its similar veining and ability to absorb dye, white magnesite can be dyed to resemble turquoise.
Q: Are white magnesite beads treated, dyed or stabilized?
A: White magnesite is often dyed, due to its ability to absorb dyes easily, resulting in brilliantly colored stones. It may sometimes be stabilized to increase durability.
Q: What are the veins in the beads made from?
A: The veins in white magnesite may be formed from a variety of materials, including opal, chert, iron, manganese, calcium and more.
Designing with Magnesite
Dyed white magnesite is an economical substitute for turquoise. It can be dyed vivid shades of turquoise blue, lime green or red with fantastic thick matrix patterns that texture the surface. Use large nuggets with antiqued sterling silver beads for a design with world cultural appeal.
Mix white magnesite with opal-colored crystal beads and glossy black onyx gemstone beads for high-impact designs. For a more classical approach, pair white magnesite with crystal golden shadow beads, finely faceted red garnet gemstone beads and bright gold "vermeil" filigree beads for designs of subtle luxury.
A Few Design Inspirations to Get You Started
Shop for White Magnesite
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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