Magnesium

Figure 1. Magnesium, with atomic number 12 and atomic weight of 24.305.

Magnesium is the 12^th element on the periodic table of elements and it is the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust. Some of its properties are listed below:

Atomic weight	24.305
Density (at 0oC)	1.74 g/cm3
Boiling point	1363 K
Melting point	923 K

Magnesium is an alkaline Earth metal and it is naturally found in rocks and minerals.

Magnesium is an important element for humans, animals, and plants. Humans and animals need it for many of their enzymes to function properly and to maintain healthy bones. Plants contain magnesium as the central molecule in chlorophyll, the compound that makes plants green.

Magnesium Uses

Burning magnesium ribbon

Magnesium is used as an alloying agent with other metals. It is strong and lightweight, so it improves the mechanical characteristics of alloys without drastically increasing the weight. It is not used on its own or in large amounts in compounds because it has a tendency to corrode and combust. Magnesium alloys are used in aircrafts, automotives, and many electronic goods, such as cell phones and computers.

Ignited pure magnesium burns very brightly and easily, so it is used in fireworks and flares (Figure 2). In contrast to this, magnesium oxides and hydroxides are used to to increase the heat and fire resistance of plastics and building materials.

Isotopes

Magnesium has three isotopes found in nature:

Symbol	Natural Abundance
24Mg	78.99%
25Mg	10%
26Mg	11.01%

Video

The video below is from the University of Nottingham's periodic videos project. They have created a complete suite of short videos on every element on the periodic table of elements.

For Further Reading

• Periodic table of elements
• Metal
• Alloy
• Combustion
• Or explore a random page