Source

We sell magnesium chloride from the world-unique Zechstein Source in Veendam, the Netherlands. For Zechstein Minerals, our source represents the connection to the Zechstein Sea. The Zechstein Sea was an inland sea that existed around 250 million years ago (during the Permian period) and stretched across what is now Northwestern Europe. In this sea, the evaporite deposits (layers left after evaporation) of the Zechstein era were formed. In the south, the Zechstein Sea was connected through narrow passages to the Tethys Ocean.

"The Zechstein source in Veendam belongs to all of us. A world-unique source that we should be proud of and take good care of."

    1. The world-unique Zechstein source contains the purest natural mineral Bischofite. This is the combination of magnesium chloride and hexahydrate (MgCl₂ · 6H₂O).
    2. The Zechstein Sea existed about 250 million years ago and is the same sea from which life on land developed.
    3. The Zechstein Sea underwent five cycles of flooding and drought over a period of several million years.
    4. The Zechstein Sea is located in the northwest of Europe, at a depth of approximately 1600 meters.
    5. The Bischofite mineral is extracted through solution mining with a low environmental impact.
    6. The density of the salt solution (magnesium oil) is higher than 1.30 kg/l (approximately 31%).

How to recognize the genuine Zechstein magnesium chloride product

When purchasing in-store, look for the Zechstein Inside logo. Several brands use Zechstein magnesium in their products. The logo guarantees that the product comes from the pure and natural Zechstein source. If you're buying online and don't see the Zechstein logo, check whether the Zechstein source is mentioned in the product description, or contact us for information.

Formation of Bischofite

Next to this is a schematic representation of how the various salts crystallized from seawater as evaporites. First, the so-called carbonates and later gypsum-like compounds are formed, followed by table salt (NaCl). Then, if evaporation continues and little fresh water is added, magnesium salts such as Epsom salts and later Carnallite will precipitate. If the most favorable conditions are maintained over thousands of years, a magnesium chloride salt solution will eventually remain. Because this highly concentrated magnesium chloride solution gathered in the area around Veendam, it was able to crystallize there into the most unique natural mineral, Bischofite. Given the layer thickness of more than 20 meters at a depth of about 1600 meters, these layers have become accessible to us through the most modern technology.