Mode of Occurrence and Origin of Magnesite Deposits in Parts of Mysore District, Karnataka

Magnesite occurs as a network of veins and bands within serpentinised peridotite and cap-rock (birbirite). Three stages by which the original peridotite is altered to give rise to magnesite and birbirite are recognised. Geochemical studies indicate that by the action of weakly acidic (with dissolved CO 2 ) water vapour, the original ferromagnesian minerals in peridotite broke down releasing Mg 2+ null and to a minor extent Si 4+ null to be...