Mg2Si4O10

Mg2Si4O10, also known as magnesium silicate, is a chemical compound with the formula Mg2Si4O10. It is a member of the silicate mineral group and is commonly found in nature as the mineral olivine. Mg2Si4O10 is a double silicate, meaning it contains two different types of silicate tetrahedra. The compound is typically colorless or white, but can appear green, brown, or black due to impurities. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of approximately 3.2 to 3.4. Mg2Si4O10 is used in various applications, including as a refractory material in high-temperature environments and as a component in certain types of glass. It is also found in some types of meteorites and is a common constituent of the Earth's mantle. The compound is relatively stable under normal conditions but can decompose at high temperatures, releasing magnesium oxide and silicon dioxide. Mg2Si4O10 is an important mineral in geology and has been studied for its potential applications in materials science.