Artinite

A variety of Minerals

Artinite specimen

What is Artinite?

Artinite is a hydrated magnesium carbonate mineral with formula: Mg2(CO3)(OH)2·3H2O. It forms white silky monoclinic prismatic crystals that are often in radial arrays or encrustations. It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5 and a specific gravity of 2. It occurs in low-temperature hydrothermal veins and in serpentinized ultramafic rocks. Associated minerals include brucite, hydromagnesite, pyroaurite, chrysotile, aragonite, calcite, dolomite and magnesite. It was first reported in 1902 in Lombardy, Italy. It was named for Italian mineralogist, Ettore Artini (1866–1928).

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Artinite 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.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Artinite Localities Map

See where Artinite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

More Images

Artinite specimen
Robert M. Lavinsky

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
White; colourless in transmitted light.
Hardness (Mohs)
2.5
Density
2.047 g/cm³
Streak
White

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
Mg2(CO3)(OH)2 · 3H2O
Elements
C, H, Mg, O
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Artinite FAQs

How do I identify Artinite?

Artinite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, White; colourless in transmitted light. color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Artinite?

Artinite typically appears in White; colourless in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Artinite?

Artinite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

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