Uses and Facts
- 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 a 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 resist the high temperatures involved.
- At times magnesite is dyed to make beads used as ornaments.
