Magnesite
Magnesite is a type of magnesium carbonate mineral, which is the main source of magnesium. Its chemical formula is MgCO3, containing 47.81% MgO and 52.19% CO2. It belongs to the calcite type structure of the tripartite crystal system, usually white or grayish white, with a glassy luster. It has complete rhombic cleavage, with a hardness of 3.5-4.5 and a density of 2.9-3.1 g/cm ³。 It often replaces magnesium with elements such as iron, manganese, calcium, nickel, etc., forming different isomorphic bodies, such as magnesite, magnesite, magnesite, and nickel.
Application Field
The application of magnesite is very extensive, mainly in the following aspects:
Metallurgical Industry
Magnesite is an important raw material for manufacturing metallic magnesium, as well as for producing refractory materials such as magnesium alloys, magnesium bricks, and chromium magnesium bricks. Magnesium metal and magnesium alloys have the characteristics of lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance, and are widely used in aviation, aerospace, automotive, electronics and other fields. Magnesium bricks and chromium magnesium bricks have the characteristics of high fire resistance, high slag resistance, and high thermal shock resistance, and are widely used in high-temperature furnaces in industries such as steel, non-ferrous metals, and cement.
Chemical Industry
Magnesite is an important raw material for producing various magnesium salts, such as magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, etc. These magnesium salts have their own uses, such as as as raw materials or additives in industries such as medicine, rubber, synthetic fibers, papermaking, food, pesticides, etc. Magnesium oxide can also be used as a high-temperature electrical insulation material and catalyst.
Building Materials Industry
Magnesite is an important raw material for manufacturing building materials such as magnesium cement, magnesium based cementitious materials, magnesium based thermal insulation materials, and magnesium based ceramics. These building materials have the characteristics of lightweight, high strength, thermal insulation and sound insulation, earthquake resistance, etc., and are suitable for special projects such as high-rise buildings, bridges, tunnels, etc.
Other Fields
Magnesite can also serve as a strong reducing agent for extracting metals such as titanium, zirconium, uranium, and beryllium. Magnesite can also be used as an optical material for manufacturing photography and optical instruments. Magnesite can also be used as a beauty material in the manufacturing of cosmetics and skincare products.