Magnesite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Transparent, gem-quality magnesite is rare and beautiful, with colors ranging from colorless, white, and gray to a yellowish brown. This material is relatively difficult to cut, so faceted pieces are rarely seen. Cabochons are more common.
1 Minute Read
Transparent, gem-quality magnesite is rare and beautiful, with colors ranging from colorless, white, and gray to a yellowish brown. This material is relatively difficult to cut, so faceted stones are rarely seen. Cabochons are more common.
Start an IGS Membership today
for full access to our price guide (updated monthly).Magnesite Value
Comments
Even in small stones, magnesite's strong birefringence is obvious. Larger faceted gems have a sleepy or "fuzzy" look, due to the doubling of back facets as seen through the table facet.
Identifying Characteristics
- Effervesces in warm acids.
- Luminesces blue, green, or white under shortwave (SW) ultraviolet light. Green phosphorescence is not uncommon.
Enhancements
Magnesite accepts dye treatments very well due to its porousness. Since cabochon or bead shapes are common, dyed specimens are sometimes sold as turquoise. If the material is disclosed as treated or a turquoise simulant, this is an acceptable practice. If not, buyer beware.
Sources
Facetable crystals come only from Brazil. Brumado, Bahia produces large, magnificent rhomb-shaped crystals, often transparent and colorless.
Other notable crystal sources include the following:
- Algeria; Austria, India; Korea; Norway; South Africa; Zaire.
Sizes
The Smithsonian Institution holds the largest known cut magnesite, a 390-carat cushion-step gem from Brazilian material. However, most gem-quality material occurs in sizes under 10-15 carats.
Care
Due to magnesite's very low hardness, gems and jewelry made from this material should be stored in a cloth bag or box, away from other gems. Harder gems could scratch them. (A knife could scratch the surface of most of these stones). Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more care recommendations.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has guidelines for exposure to this mineral. As a powder, it can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. See our article on lapidary health hazards for safety tips. Normal jewelry wear should pose no health risks.
Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA
Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.
Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education.
International Gem Society
Related Articles
Bustamite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Brucite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Demantoid Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Smaltite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!