Magnesite: Meaning, Symbolic Properties, Care and Turquenite

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Magnesite is a white to grey magnesium carbonate, soft and porous, very often dyed blue to imitate turquoise. What to know before you buy.

Key points

Colour	White, grey or beige, sometimes veined with grey or brown; very often dyed (blue, pink, etc.)
Mineral family	Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3)
Hardness (Mohs)	About 4 (brittle, perfect cleavage)
Deposits	Slovakia, Austria, Spain, Brazil, Australia, Germany, France
Trade name	“Turquenite” when dyed blue with black veins
Associated chakra (tradition)	Crown, third eye
Care	Dry cloth; no prolonged water, no acids

What is magnesite?

Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate, that is, a mineral made of magnesium and carbonate, close to calcite. In its natural state it is most often white, grey or yellowish to brown, more rarely green, with a matt to vitreous lustre. It often forms compact masses or nodules with a porcelain-like look, sometimes streaked with fine grey veins.

It is found in several regions of the world: Slovakia, Austria, Spain, Brazil, Australia, Germany and even in France (Haute-Loire, Rhône, Savoie). Its name is linked to that of ancient Magnesia, from which the name of magnesium also derives. Outside stone shops it has mainly industrial uses: a source of magnesium, refractory bricks, cement, a food additive, and the powdered “magnesia” used by gymnasts and climbers.

A stone often dyed: turquenite

In the stone trade, magnesite is best known in another form: dyed blue to imitate turquoise. Being porous, it absorbs dyes very well. Dyed a turquoise blue with black or brown veins, it is sold as turquenite. It is not a naturally blue stone, but coloured magnesite.

There is no deception when the seller says so clearly: a dyed stone remains a pretty stone, at a good price. The problem begins when it is presented as real turquoise. To tell them apart, see the turquoise page.

Traditional symbolism

In the modern stone tradition, magnesite is associated with gentleness, calm and relaxation; its smooth, light look has led people to make it a symbol of purity and pause. It is also sometimes mentioned in relaxation or meditation rituals.

These associations are recent and specific to stone practice. They rest on no scientific evidence, and the stone has no proven effect on health. It can, however, serve as a support for a moment of refocusing, like any object one holds in the hand while breathing calmly.

Traditional correspondences

Area	Most common association
Chakra	Crown; the third eye according to some authors
Element	Air or water, depending on the source
Signs	No consensus among authors
Themes	Calm, relaxation, pause

To locate the crown chakra, see our page on the crown chakra.

How to use it

As a bracelet or necklace: white or dyed beads, very common and inexpensive.
As a tumbled stone: to keep in the hand or pocket. If you are looking for a natural stone that is not dyed, prefer the white one.
As a decorative object: a sphere, an egg or a small heart to place on a desk or a shelf.
As a gift: a blue piece of jewellery in the turquenite style makes an easy gift, provided you are honest about what it is.

Be careful: dyed beads can rub off onto the skin, especially with perspiration or water. These uses are gestures of enjoyment, with no guaranteed effect. See the guide to gemstone jewellery.

Care and cleansing

With a hardness of about 4, magnesite is soft, brittle and porous. It is also a carbonate: acids attack it.

Water: no soaking; a dyed piece may lose its colour or transfer it onto the skin. Use a barely damp cloth, then a dry one.
Products: avoid perfumes, creams, alcohol, vinegar, lemon and household cleaners.
Sun and heat: dyed stones can fade; keep them in the shade.
Salt: to be avoided, as it can dull them and alter the dye.
Knocks and scratches: store it apart from harder stones.

For symbolic “purification”, gentle smoke, moonlight or the sound of a singing bowl remain harmless. See the guide to purifying and recharging your stones.

Recognising magnesite and avoiding confusion

Natural white magnesite has a matt, slightly “chalky” white, with fine grey veins. It is very often confused with howlite, also white with dark veins: the two are sold under names that get mixed up, and both take a blue dye easily. Howlite is a slightly softer borate; only a specialist can tell them apart with certainty.

Signs of dye: a uniform, vivid colour, dye collected in the cracks or drill holes, traces on a damp cloth.
Turquenite: the name generally signals dyed magnesite; if the label just says “turquoise”, ask the question.
Price: a large, very cheap “turquoise” bead is probably dyed magnesite or dyed howlite.

How to choose your magnesite

First decide what you are looking for: a natural white stone (sober, with fine veins) or a dyed stone (coloured, in turquoise, pink or coral tones). In both cases, make sure the seller states the treatment. Avoid beads whose colour comes off in water or whose hole is coloured unevenly.

Magnesite is a very affordable stone, suitable for first bracelets. It combines with howlite, selenite or clear quartz for a light white palette.