Why Ancient Minerals?

It all began 250 million years ago.

Chemically speaking, magnesium chloride is magnesium chloride. But that doesn't mean every magnesium chloride product is created equal. Where the mineral comes from, how pure it is, and how it's processed all make a difference to what eventually ends up in the bottle.

The world has changed. The source hasn't.

Today's oceans are exposed to microplastics, heavy metals, and industrial pollution. But roughly a mile (1,600 meters) beneath the surface in the northern Netherlands, a different world remains.

Here lies the Zechstein seabed, an ancient mineral deposit that has been sealed beneath thick layers of salt and rock for millions of years, protected from the pollution of the modern world.

An ancient sea, preserved beneath the earth

Around 250 million years ago, much of northern Europe was covered by the Zechstein Sea, an inland sea with exceptionally high salt concentrations, much like the Dead Sea today. But that's where the similarity ends. Unlike modern bodies of saltwater, which are exposed to runoff and pollution from their surroundings, the Zechstein minerals have remained sealed deep underground for millions of years.

As the water evaporated, the minerals were left behind. Over time, new layers of rock buried these deposits, preserving them beneath the earth's surface. Among them is naturally occurring magnesium chloride, isolated from the modern environment.

Extracted with water, not chemical solvents

Magnesium chloride is extracted from the Zechstein deposits using pressurized water. Water is pumped deep underground, where it dissolves the mineral salts. The resulting concentrated brine is then brought to the surface for purification and further processing.

This isn't magnesium chloride synthesized in a laboratory. It's a naturally occurring mineral recovered from a protected geological source.

The Genuine Zechstein seal

You'll find the Genuine Zechstein seal on Ancient Minerals packaging. It identifies the magnesium chloride as coming from the original Zechstein source in the Netherlands.

Rather than simply taking a manufacturer's word that a product contains magnesium chloride, you can identify exactly where the raw material comes from.

Quality from source to bottle

But exceptional raw materials are only the beginning.

Ancient Minerals products are manufactured at the company's own facility in Austin, Texas. Raw material sourcing, formulation, manufacturing, and quality control are all handled in-house. This gives the company control over the entire process, not just the origin of its magnesium chloride.

Every formula is developed with its intended use in mind. Magnesium concentration, texture, and ingredient compatibility are carefully considered to create products that are both practical and pleasant to use.

The same care goes into selecting the supporting ingredients. Each one must serve a clear purpose in the finished formula. Every production batch is documented and traceable.

Trusted since 2007

Ancient Minerals has been around since 2007, earning the trust of individual customers and professional bodyworkers alike.

We've worked with Ancient Minerals since 2012 and are an authorized European distributor.

For us, that's what makes Ancient Minerals worth choosing: a traceable source, thoughtfully developed products, and complete control over manufacturing.

From an ancient seabed to the bottle in your hand.