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MAGNESIUM

Miscellaneous

• Family: None
• Region: None
• Mined At: Unspecified
• Raw Mineral: Yes
• Generic: No

Notes

(Richard Willis)

Element, with the symbol Mg and atomic weight of 24.32
The oxide calcinates at 1040ºC and melts at 3000ºC. Powerful flux for silica at over-1100º temperatures. Diminishes resistance to thermal shock thus provokes crackles. Strong opacifier at all temperatures. Popular ingredient for high temperature clays and glazes, and usually introduced via talc, steatite, feldspar, or dolomite, and, for temperatures under 1200º, in particular, via borates and boracite minerals — all of which have lower fusion points than straight MgO. Good enhancer for blues.
water solubility & fusion ºC
— oxide — insoluble — 2800
— carbonate — weakly soluble — discomposes
— talc — insoluble — 1490
— dolomite — insoluble — decompose
commonly used forms
— oxide (magnesia) MgO
— silicate (steatite, soapstone) 3-4MgO, 4-5SiO₂, H₂O
— carbonate MgCO₃
— nepheline talc 5MgO, 2CaO, 8SiO₂
— silicate (talc) 3MgO, 4SiO₂, H₂O
— dolomite MgCO_3, CaCO₃

Authors

• Richard Willis (Owner)

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