Collection: Magnesite

In 1808, magnesite was identified by the German mathematician Dietrich Ludwig Gustav Karsten (1768 - 1810). It was named so because of its magnesium-rich composition and its place of discovery, Magnesia in Greece.

Previously in 1785, the name magnesite had been invented by Jean-Claude Delametherie (1743 - 1817), a French naturalist, geologist and mineralogist. But at that date, this name encompassed several magnesium minerals. It was Karsten who restricted this name to this magnesium carbonate mineral.

Magnesite is one of those stones whose origins remain vague. Nowadays, no myth, no legend, nor any history evokes this mineral. Its trace only appears at the beginning of the 19th century.

Magnesite belongs to the large family of minerals, notably that of calcites. It is mainly composed of magnesium carbonate, may have inclusions and the presence of organic compounds. These crystal inclusions, such as manganese, cobalt, iron, calcium and nickel will give it its color.

So, magnesite can be colorless or translucent, have a vitreous and matte shine. It comes in various shades, from white to brown, from gray to yellow and more rarely in green. It can easily be confused with howlite, which has similar properties. Its appearance is porous, generally white with gray streaks.

Magnesite has a trigonal and rhombohedral crystal system. Its hardness is 4 on the Mohs scale. For comparison, diamond, which has the highest hardness, is at 10 on this same scale. Magnesia is therefore a fragile stone.

Today, the pharmaceutical industry still uses magnesite as a food additive, anti-caking agent or pH regulator. Completely burned, it is used in the manufacture of refractory bricks or magnesium cement. It can also be applied to the hands to prevent climbers or gymnasts from slipping: it absorbs perspiration.

It is increasingly used in the manufacture of jewelry and various lithotherapy objects. Magnesite is mainly found in sedimentary rocks. This porous mineral is relatively rare and its formation takes place over hundreds of thousands of years. This mineral is the result of an alteration of rocks rich in magnesium by carbonate waters.

The main deposits are located in Brazil, South Africa, and Europe (France and Germany).

In Lithotherapy, magnesite allows better management of emotions. It helps stabilize feelings. It helps to evacuate irrational fears, traumas linked to childhood and anxieties. It makes certain reactions easier to understand.

This stone fights effectively against stress, calms overly agitated thoughts and provides calm and serenity. It is particularly recommended for people who are too nervous and too shy. It promotes assurance and self-confidence.

Magnesite is known to delay thoughts, stimulate concentration and memory. It is very suitable for students, people in training or certain professionals. Thoughts are then structured, ordered and clear.

It is a stone that helps fight against states of intense sadness. It diffuses a soft, soothing and warm energy. It gives back the desire to people who no longer have the will. Thus, it allows you to set life goals and achieve them. It helps to combat the difficulties of life.

This stone is recommended during difficult times, such as separation, loss of a loved one or sudden dismissal. It gives the courage to face them and the strength to overcome the pain caused.