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Magnesite

Chemical Formula

MgCO3

Chemical Class

Carbonates

Properties

Magnesite has already been used as metallic magnesium source, an ultra-light metal used to achieve light alloys for aeronautics industry.

Origin

Brumado, Bahia.

Curiosities

The world´s 3rd largest magnesite mine is found in Brazil, Brumado/BA, where it is explored to refractory material industry.

Use

Today, this mineral is used as magnesia source to manufacture chemicals, and it is more relevant, whenever calcined, to manufacture refractory materials, and it is widely used in pharmaceutical industry. Photo credit: Leonardo Miranda

ABC of mining