We sell magnesium chloride from the world-unique Zechstein Source in Veendam, the Netherlands. For Zechstein Minerals, our source means the connection to the Zechstein Sea.
The Zechstein Sea was an inland sea that stretched over what is now North-western Europe about 250 million years ago (in the Permian era).
In this sea, the evaporite deposits (layers after evaporation) of the Zechstein era were formed. The Zechstein Sea was connected to the Tethys Ocean by close connections in the south.
“The Zechstein source in Veendam belongs to all of us. A world-unique source that we should be proud of and use sparingly.”
How to recognize the real Zechstein Magnesium chloride product.
When purchasing in store, note the Zechstein inside logo. Several brands use Zechstein magnesium in their products. The logo gives the guarantee that it concerns the pure and natural products from the Zechstein source. If you buy online and do not see the Zechstein logo inside, make sure that the Zechstein source is mentioned in the product description or ask us for information.
Formation of Bischofite
The diagram you see shows how the various salts crystallized as evaporites from the seawater.
The so-called carbonates and later gypsum-like compounds are formed first, followed by table salt (NaCl). Subsequently, if the evaporation can continue and little fresh water is supplied, only the magnesium salts such as Epsom salts will precipitate, followed by Carnalite.
Maintaining the most favourable conditions over thousands of years will eventually leave a magnesium chloride salt solution.
Since this highly concentrated magnesium chloride solution was gathering from miles around near Veendam, it was able to crystallise there into the most unique natural mineral Bischofite. Given the layer thickness of more than 20 metres at a depth of about 1600 m, these layers have become available to us with the most modern technology.
