Brucite
A variety of Brucite Group
What is Brucite?
The majority of the time, brucite is found lacking any desirable qualities and is easily overlooked. It is more commonly found as part of a larger marble chunk, offering unique coloration within marble veining. Large pieces have been unearthed, but specimens of any considerable size are scarce.
Etymology & Origins
Brucite was first described in 1824 and named for the discoverer, American mineralogist, Archibald Bruce (1777–1818).
Uses & Applications
Though brucite is mainly used as a gemstone or a collector’s mineral, it does have some industrial use. Brucite is an ore of magnesium metal and magnesia. This mineral is sometimes used as a refractory. As a soft mineral, it is difficult to find it in large pieces. This makes it difficult for practical use and prevents it from being a more popular gemstone.
Healing Properties
Brucite works with the Crown and Throat chakras to encourage communication and help one to speak their truth. It is said to open all of the chakras, releasing all negative energy and lifting the spirits of anyone in the room where it is placed. It brings clarity to the mind, restores feelings of hope and enables the user to move forward in their goals.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.56-1.60
- Birefringence
- 0.010-0.020
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Brucite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Brucite Localities Map
See where Brucite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Formation of Brucite
A notable location in the U.S. is Wood's Chrome Mine, Cedar Hill Quarry, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Yellow, white and blue Brucite with a botryoidal habit was discovered in Qila Saifullah District of Province Baluchistan, Pakistan. And then in a later discovery Brucite also occurred in the Bela Ophiolite of Wadh, Khuzdar District, Province Baluchistan, Pakistan. Brucite has also occurred from South Africa, Italy, Russia, Canada, and other localities as well but the most notable discoveries are the US, Russian and Pakistani examples.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Others
- ⚠️When cement or concrete are exposed to Mg2+, the neoformation of brucite, an expansive material, may induce mechanical stress in the hardened cement paste or may clog the porous system creating a buffering effect and delaying deterioration of the CSH phase into MSH phase. The exact magnitude of impact that brucite has over cement paste is still debatable. Prolonged contact between sea water or brines and concrete may induce durability issue although high concentrations are required for this effect, which are rare to find in nature. The use of dolomite as aggregate in concrete can also cause magnesium attack and should be avoided.
- ⚠️Beware of asbestos. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to various dangerous lung conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. And it can take years for symptoms related to the exposure to appear. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting this mineral.
- ⚠️Brucite itself is generally considered safe. However, it can be contaminated with asbestos fibers, which are known carcinogens that can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It's best to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any dust when handling it, especially if it's in powder form.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- White, light greenish, grayish, bluish, honey-yellow, brownish red, deep brown
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5 - 3
- Density
- 2.368 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly, Vitreous, Waxy
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Mg(OH)2
- Elements
- H, Mg, O
Also Known As
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Brucite FAQs
How do I identify Brucite?
Brucite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale, White color, Pearly, Vitreous, Waxy luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Brucite?
Brucite typically appears in White, light greenish, grayish, bluish, honey-yellow, brownish red, deep brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Brucite?
Brucite has a hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the formation of brucite of Brucite?
A notable location in the U.S. is Wood's Chrome Mine, Cedar Hill Quarry, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Yellow, white and blue Brucite with a botryoidal habit was discovered in Qila Saifullah District of Province Baluchistan, Pakistan. And then in a later discovery Brucite also occurred in the Bela Ophiolite of Wadh, Khuzdar District, Province Baluchistan, Pakistan. Brucite has also occurred from South Africa, Italy, Russia, Canada, and other localities as well but the most notable discoveries are the US, Russian and Pakistani examples.