Magnesium is a rare native metal element that does not typically occur in its pure form in nature due to its high reactivity. It is found in a massive or granular state and is prized by collectors as a technical specimen rather than a typical ornamental stone.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

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Magnesium

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this magnesium?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch magnesium with a known reference. Magnesium sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Magnesium leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Magnesium typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silvery-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, granular, or tabular crystals.

Often found alongside magnesium

Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesium. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 1.74 g/cm³
Colors: Silvery-white
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular, Or Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Industrial, Alloys
Host rock: Hydrothermal Deposits and Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen purity and size

Where rockhounds find magnesium

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Russia
China
United States

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal deposits and igneous rocks country, the host setting where magnesium typically forms. If you start seeing dolomite, magnesite, brucite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Nevada. Start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for magnesium →

Common questions

How do you identify magnesium?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is white. Common colors include silvery-white.

Where is magnesium found?+

Notable localities include Russia; China; United States.

Can I find magnesium in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 magnesium rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states. The top states are Nevada.

How much is magnesium worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen purity and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with magnesium?+

Magnesium commonly co-occurs with Dolomite, Magnesite, Brucite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does magnesium form in?+

Magnesium typically forms in hydrothermal deposits and igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is magnesium used for?+

Magnesium is used in industrial, alloys.

Find magnesium on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.