Magnesite Mgo

Magnesite is a mineral  with the chemical formula Mgo. (Magnesium Carbonate). Mixed crystals of iron carbonate and magnesite (mixed crystals known as ankerite) possess a layered structure: monolayers of carbonate groups alternate with magnesium monolayers as well as iron(II)   carbonatemonolayers.Manganese, cobalt and nickle  may also occur in small amounts.

Magnesite has been found in modern sediments, caves and soils. Its low-temperature (around 40 °C) formation is known to require alternations between precipitation and dissolution intervals.

Similar to the production of lime, magnesite can be burned in the presence of charcoal to produce Mgo, which in the form of a mineral is known as periclase. Large quantities of magnesite are burnt to make magnesium oxide: an important refractory material used as lining in blast furnaces, kilns, and incinerators. Magnesite can also be used as a binder in flooring material. Furthermore it is being used as a catalyst and filler in the production of synthetic rubber and in the preparation of magnesium chemicals and fertilizers. In fire assay, magnesite cupels can be used for cupellation as the magnesite cupel will wo;; resist the high temperatures involved. At times magnesite is dyed to make beads used as ornaments.