Periclase Information's

 

Periclase

Periclase is a chemical compound with the formula MgO. 

Discovery

Named by Arcangelo Scacchi in 1841 from the Greek περικλάω, to break around, in allusion to the cleavage.

Physical Properties

• Density: 3.58 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 2,852 °C
• Boiling Point: 3,600 °C
• Color: white, yellowish, greenish, grayish
• Odor: odorless
• Taste: tasteless

Optical Properties

• Refractive index: nω=1.735 nε=1.730
• Birefringence: δ = 0.0050
• Pleochroism: weak, yellowish to greenish

Ranking of Rarity

Periclase is a relatively common mineral, but faceted gems are extremely rare.

Occurrence (countries)

• Brazil
• Russia
• North Korea
• United States
• Italy
• Austria
• Switzerland
• Germany
• France
• Norway

Healing Properties

Periclase is believed to help with insomnia, enhance memory and improve concentration.

Uses

Periclase is used in the manufacture of refractory bricks and monolithic refractories for the steel industry. It is also used as a source of magnesia (MgO) in the production of magnesium metal, ceramics, and glass.