magnesium [Mg]

Introduction

From the Greek Magnesia, a city in Thessaly. First recognized as an element by Joseph Black in 1755. Isolated by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808.

Occurrence

• occurs in abundantly in nature
• isolated from
  • seawater
  • carnalite
  • magnesite
  • dolomite

Characteristics

• a silver-white malleable ductile metallic element
• ignites at 500 degrees C
  • produces intense white light upon burning

Uses

• metallurgy & chemical processes
• photography
• manufacture of pyrotechnics
• construction esp in the form of light alloys
• as a 'sacrifical' electrode
• component of chlorophyll & of many enzymes

More general terms

• alkaline earth metal

Additional terms

• Mg+2
• periodic table

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=889
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=888