Chemical and Physical Properties of Brucite

TABLE 2.4 Solubility of Magnesium Carbonate (g/100 g Saturated Solution) under Various Temperatures and Partial Pressures of C02 

Brucite, which was named after Archibald Bruce (1777-1818) in 1824, who discovered it in Hoboken, New Jersey, occurs typically as tabular crystals. Less commonly it can occur in acicular, fibrous, and scaly form. Its color can range from white, pale green, gray, gray-blue, and blue. It can also have a transparent, pearly, waxy, or vitreous appearance see Table 2.5, which displays a variety of physical properties of brucite. 

Color/Luster White, pale green, gray, gray-blue, blue. Transparent, pearly, waxy, or vitreous. 

Crystal System/Habit Hexagonal/rhombohedral. Crystals are usually broad tabular. Commonly, foliated massive fibrous with fibers separable and elastic. 

Density The specific gravity of brucite has been given as 2.38-3.40. The X-ray density has been calculated as 2.38 g/cm3. 

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