$Mg(OH)_2$ slurry was prepared by using natural mineral brucite mined in Liaoning province in China, and its de-$SO_x$ efficiency was compared with that of $Mg(OH)_2$ slurry prepared by thermal decomposition and hydration of magnesite. The physical and chemical characteristics of $Mg(OH)_2$ Powders prepared from brucite and magnesite were similar. However, the layered plate structure of $Mg(OH)_2$ crystal particles prepared from brucite had grown more stably. The desulfurization efficiency of $Mg(OH)_2$ slurry prepared from brucite was slightly higher than that of magnesite. Brucite may be used as a new absorbent for the desulfurization of flue gas in the future.