Brucite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameBrucite
Chemical FormulaMg(OH)₂
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {0001} (basal)
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.39
Colorswhite, pale green, blue, grey, brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityWood's Chrome Mine (Wood's Mine), Texas, Little Britain Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA
Mineral GroupHydroxides
Usessource of magnesium, fire retardant, industrial applications, collector
Associated Mineralsserpentine, chromite, magnesite, dolomite, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a specimen of brucite characterized by translucent, platy to foliated aggregates, exhibiting a pale greenish-white to yellowish hue and a somewhat pearly luster.
Geological Context
Brucite typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins within serpentinized dolomitic marbles and schists, and as an alteration product of periclase in contact metamorphic zones.
