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Glossary
Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is a silvery-white metallic element with the chemical symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a lightweight, strong, and reactive metal that plays a crucial role in both industrial applications and biological systems. As the eighth most abundant element in Earth’s crust and a key component of seawater, magnesium is one of the most important metals for modern manufacturing and life processes alike.
In its pure metallic form, magnesium is one-third lighter than aluminum, making it one of the lightest structural metals. It combines low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent machinability, which makes it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries. Magnesium alloys are often used to produce aircraft parts, transmission housings, laptop casings, and lightweight tools, helping reduce overall weight while maintaining durability.
Chemically, magnesium is highly reactive, especially in finely divided form. It readily reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide (MgO), a white powder that emits a bright white flame when the metal burns—this characteristic has made magnesium famous in fireworks, flares, and photographic flashes. When exposed to air, it forms a thin protective oxide layer that prevents rapid corrosion.
Magnesium is also an essential biological element—it is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and is necessary for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production, muscle contraction, nerve function, and protein synthesis. It forms the central atom in chlorophyll, the green pigment that allows plants to capture sunlight during photosynthesis.
Common industrial magnesium compounds include magnesium oxide (MgO) used in refractories and insulation, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) used as a flame retardant and antacid, and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) used in medicine and agriculture.
Magnesium is typically extracted from magnesite (MgCO₃), dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂), and sea water, where it is separated through electrolysis or thermal reduction processes.
