Wild Horse Magnesite
$125.00
Item number:
1
Wild Horse Magnesite 4.55 CT
Wild Horse Magnesite (also known as Crazy Horse stone or Appaloosa stone) is a naturally occurring mineral composed of creamy white magnesite heavily veined with reddish-brown hematite. Because of its unique color pattern, it visually resembles pinto or appaloosa horses, inspiring its popular name.
Key Characteristics
- Composition: It is primarily magnesium carbonate mixed with iron oxide (hematite).
- Not Turquoise: Despite often being misidentified or marketed as "Wild Horse Turquoise" or "White Buffalo Turquoise," it contains no turquoise.
- Origin: It is found in only one location worldwide: near the Globe Copper Mine in the Gila Wilderness region of southeastern Arizona.
- Hardness: It rates about 4 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it quite soft and requiring care when shaping or setting it into jewelry.
Collectibility
Because the original vein near the Globe Copper Mine was small and mining operations were very short-lived (closing in the 1990s), wild horse magnesite is highly scarce. The material currently on the market is largely sourced from old, private collections and previously mined stock, making it a highly sought-after collector's item in Southwestern and Native American-style jewelry.
Metaphysical Properties
In crystal healing and lapidary traditions, the stone is believed to be a calming, emotionally balancing stone that promotes joy, creative visualization, and stress relief.