It is either named for its chemistry or for being the hydrated relative of magnesite . Other hydrated magnesium carbonates include dypingite , giorgiosite and artinite . Artinite is often associated with hydromagnesite as both are commonly found as alteration products of serpentine , brucite and other magnesium rich minerals. Both minerals can form acicular aggregates although hydromagnesite's crystals are more platy. The bubbles look exactly like chewing gum bubbles and are caused by magnesium rich fluids being forced into the openning of the cave and encountering a viscous film that is pushed outward forming the bubble.
Color is colorless to white.
Luster is silky, vitreous to earthy. Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent. Also found as concretions, encrustations and massive. Cleavage is perfect in one direction and distinct in another. Fracture is uneven.