The element magnesium has atomic number 12 and atomic mass number of 24.3. It is present in the third row and the group IIA of the periodic table. It is a normal element, with a valency of 2 and forms the Mg++ cation. It is a silvery white tough metal with a melting point of 923 K or 1202 F.
Naturally it is found in minerals such as marble, limestone, dolomite, kieserite, magnesia, etc. It is the eighth-most abundant element on the crust of the earth, occupying about 2% of it. Magnesium readily reacts with acids forming respective salts. Most of these salts may are hydrated in their natural states.
Several useful alloys are made using magnesium. Duralumin and magnalium are both lightweight, sturdy alloys that are used to make bodies of aircraft and vehicles. Magnesium has pyrotechnic properties and so it is used in making incendiary bombs, flares and signals. In photography, it is used in the manufacture of flash bulbs. Magnesium also has lubricating and binding properties. Owing to this property, it is used to make industrial capsules. Magnesium finds a use in metallurgy as a reducing agent.
Magnesium is a macro element required for the metabolism of the human body. It is the fourth-most abundant element in the human body and about 50% of it is present in the bones. About 1% of magnesium is assimilated in the human blood. Even chlorophyll in plants is a magnesium-poyphyrin complex. Magnesium is a cofactor for various enzymes. A proper balance of magnesium is required to ward off bone related ailments such as osteoporosis and arthritis. It is also required for proper cardiovascular and kidney functions.
Vegetarian foods have higher contents of magnesium. Magnesium is abundantly found in nuts and green vegetables. It is also abundant in diary products such as tofu, cheese, butter, yoghurt, etc.
Magnesium compounds are sold as therapeutic drugs. Milk of magnesia is the commercial name of magnesium hydroxide. It is used as a laxative and antacid. Magnesium oxide or magnesia is also used for the same. Magnesium sulfate is used to reduce labor pains.
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Calcium Magnesium
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Calcium and magnesium are two elements that are highly essential for the body. They are mentioned together because they mostly function as a group. Calcium is the most abundant element in the body and is extremely essential for the growth and development of the bones....
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Magnesium Citrate
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Magnesium citrate is the citrate salt of the element magnesium. It is a commonly used therapeutic drug and is prescribed as a laxative. It is retailed under the names Citrate of Magnesia, Milk of Magnesia, Citronesia and Citroma. Magnesium citrate is available for intake in...
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Magnesium Oxide
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Magnesium oxide has the chemical formula MgO. It is a white or colorless, odorless compound. It is extracted from seawater or underground brine. It is also formed by the calcination of magnesium minerals such as magnesium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium oxide is present in...
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Magnesium Chloride
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The chemical formula for magnesium chloride is MgCl2. It is present in hydrated forms such as MgCl2.6H2O. It is a highly soluble Lewis acid. It is extracted from seawater and is a source of magnesium for metallurgical processes. Industrially, it is prepared by Dow’s process...
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Magnesium Hydroxide
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Magnesium hydroxide has the chemical formula Mg(OH)2. It is available naturally as the mineral brucite. It is a white or colorless, odorless powder and is sparingly soluble in water. It is an alkaline hydroxide compound. It is generally prepared by reacting magnesium sulfate or chloride...
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Magnesium Sulfate
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Magnesium sulfate is MgSO4. In the natural state it is found in the hydrated state, with seven molecules of water of crystallization. In this form it is called as magnesium sulfate heptahydrate or Epsom salt and has the chemical formula MgSO4.7H2O. On heating up to...
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Magnesium Stearate
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Magnesium stearate is the magnesium salt of stearic acid, which is chemically known as octadecanoic acid. Its chemical formula is (C18H35O2)2Mg. It is a white soapy powder with an alkaline pH. Magnesium stearate is obtained from stearic acid, which is mostly derived from plant sources....
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Minerals
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Minerals are natural compounds found in the earth’s crust. These can be pure elements, simple salts or complex silicates in many forms. The study of minerals is called mineralogy. A true mineral is solid with a crystal structure. It is a naturally occurring, inorganic, homogeneous...
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Bare Minerals
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Minerals are natural elements or compounds formed through geological processes in the earth’s crust. Minerals range from pure elements to simple salts or complex silicates. Minerals are basically inorganic, homogeneous solids with a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition. The chemical makeup is different...
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Bath Salts
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Throughout civilization, salt has been considered a valuable product. It has been used as a religious symbol, a taxable commodity, a preservative, and a currency. Salts high in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, often used for bathing purposes, are called bath salts....