Brucite
| Colour | White, Green, Blue |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 2.5 to 3 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to pearly |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Transparent |
| Cleavage | Perfect on {0001} |
| Fracture | Irregular |
| Chemical formula | Mg(OH) 2 |
| Specific gravity | 2.39 to 2.40 |
What is Brucite?
Brucite is the mineral form of magnesium hydroxide, with the chemical formula Mg(OH)2. It is a common alteration product of periclase in marble; a low-temperature hydrothermal vein mineral in metamorphosed limestones and chlorite schists; and formed during serpentinization of dunites. Brucite is often found in association with serpentine, calcite, aragonite, dolomite, magnesite, hydromagnesite, artinite, talc and chrysotile.
How to identify Brucite
- Lustre: Vitreous to pearly.
- Hardness: Mohs 2.5 to 3 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Trigonal crystal system.
Brucite in different forms
Stones often confused with Brucite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Brucite?
Brucite is Mohs 2.5 to 3 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Brucite?
Brucite is typically white, green, blue (White, pale green, blue, gray; honey-yellow to brownish red).