Pure magnesium from the Dutch subsoil
Zechstein Magnesium Flakes: pure magnesium from the Dutch subsoil
Did you know that deep beneath the Dutch soil lies a source of magnesium that is approximately 250 million years old? In Veendam, Groningen, a natural layer of magnesium chloride, originating from the ancient Zechstein Sea, is found at a great depth. At Zechstein Minerals, we extract high-quality magnesium chloride from this unique source. One of the ways this is used is in our Zechstein Magnesium Flakes.
What are magnesium flakes?
Magnesium flakes are crystals of magnesium chloride. They are created by evaporating water from our natural magnesium chloride source, leaving the magnesium chloride behind in crystalline form. These crystals are white to slightly translucent in appearance and dissolve easily in water.
The flakes are intended for external use and are primarily used in a warm bath or foot bath. A magnesium bath can thus easily become part of a moment of relaxation and personal care.
An origin dating back millions of years
Our magnesium chloride comes from the Zechstein formation, a geological layer that formed approximately 250 million years ago. During that period, a large inland sea—the Zechstein Sea—existed across parts of Northwest Europe. As this sea evaporated, various minerals were left behind. Over the course of millions of years, these minerals were covered by new layers of the earth.
Today, the layer of magnesium chloride from which we extract our raw material lies at a depth of approximately 1,600 to 2,000 meters.
By introducing water to this layer, the magnesium chloride dissolves. The magnesium-rich solution is then brought to the surface. Through a controlled evaporation process, the magnesium chloride is transformed into crystals—the foundation of our Zechstein Magnesium Flakes.
How do you use magnesium flakes? The flakes are easy to use. Simply dissolve a portion of the magnesium flakes in a warm bath and relax for about 20 to 30 minutes. Magnesium flakes can also be used for a foot bath.
These flakes are often incorporated into wellness or relaxation routines. For instance, after a workout, at the end of a busy day, or whenever you simply need a moment of calm.
The warm water and the bathing ritual itself contribute to a relaxing experience. It is worth noting the distinction between the experience of a magnesium bath and any medical claims regarding the absorption of magnesium through the skin. Research on transdermal magnesium absorption is not yet conclusive; therefore, we present our flakes primarily as a product for external use and personal wellness.
Why Zechstein Magnesium?
What makes our magnesium flakes unique is the origin of the magnesium chloride. It is extracted from a natural, ancient source of magnesium chloride located deep beneath the Dutch soil. The raw material is then carefully processed into magnesium chloride crystals.
Our approach combines this ancient natural origin with modern quality control, ensuring that our magnesium flakes meet high standards of quality and purity.
A natural moment of relaxation
With Zechstein Magnesium Flakes, you bring a piece of the natural history of the Dutch landscape into your home. The crystals originate from a sea that vanished millions of years ago, yet its minerals remain present deep underground to this day.
We connect this natural source of magnesium with a simple, modern-day application: a warm bath, a foot bath, or a quiet moment just for yourself.
Zechstein Magnesium Flakes: formed millions of years ago, now part of your moment of relaxation.




