Magnesium

Magnesium (Mg) is a chemical element with atomic number 12. It is a silvery-white metal that is light and has lower density than many other common metals such as iron and copper. It belongs to the group that includes calcium and barium, known as the alkaline earth metals.

Magnesium does not occur freely in nature because it is highly reactive. It is found in compounds in rocks and seawater. It is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust and is also present in seawater in significant quantities.

Physical and chemical properties

Magnesium is a ductile metal that can be easily shaped. When exposed to air, a thin oxide layer forms on its surface, which protects the underlying metal. When heated to high temperature, magnesium burns with a bright white flame. For this reason, it was historically used in early photography to produce intense bright light.

Industrial use

The primary use is in metal alloys, particularly those combining magnesium and aluminium. These alloys are light and strong, and are used in aircraft, automobiles, and portable hand tools. Magnesium is also used chemically in the production of other metals and in cathodic protection of metals from corrosion.

Role in life

Magnesium is an essential mineral for the human body. It participates in hundreds of enzyme reactions, strengthens bones, and is involved in muscle and nerve function. It is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. Magnesium deficiency in the body can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, and changes in heart rhythm.

In plants, magnesium is the core atom of the chlorophyll molecule, the green pigment that plants use to capture sunlight and produce food. Therefore magnesium is essential to crop production.