What is Magnesium? Origin / Meaning of the name Magnesium
The name originates from a Greek district in Thessaly called Magnesia. Magnesium was abundant in oxide and carbonate ores in this region, and they therefore became referred as stones from Magnesia.

What is Magnesium? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Magnesium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Magnesium is classified as an "Alkaline Earth Metals" which are located in Group 2 elements of the Periodic Table. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals. An Element classified as an Alkaline Earth Metals are found in the Earth’s crust, but not in the elemental form as they are so reactive. Instead, they are widely distributed in rock structures. For additional facts and information refer to Magnesium Properties.

Common properties of Alkaline Earth metals
The elements classed as "Alkaline Earth metals" have the following properties in common:

• Shiny Solids
• Two electrons in the outer shell
• Can conduct heat or electricity
• Can be formed into sheets

What is Magnesium? Occurrence of the Magnesium Element
Magnesium is a very abundant element in nature, ranking a little below Calcium in this respect. Like calcium, it is a constituent of many rocks and also occurs in the form of soluble salts. Does not occur uncombined with other elements
Obtained from sea water
Eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust
Found in large deposits of magnesite, dolomite, and other minerals

Medical Uses of Magnesium - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on the Medical Uses of Magnesium, Health and Treatments. Magnesium is used in treating coronary artery disease, the symptoms of PMS, migraines, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. The best known magnesium compound is magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄ ) which is popularly known as Epson salts. Epson salts are used in bath water to relax sore muscles and remove rough skin. Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) reduces stomach acid, and increases water in the intestines. Milk of Magnesia is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation and as an antacid to relieve indigestion, upset stomach and heartburn.

Abundances of the element in different environments
%in Universe 0.06%
% in Sun 0.07%
% in Meteorites 12%
% in Earth's Crust 2.9%
% in Oceans 0.13%
% in Humans 0.027%

Associated Uses of Magnesium
Dead-burned magnesite is used as brick and liners in furnaces and converters
Photography - old type flash powder and flash bulbs
Flares
Pyrotechnics
Incendiary bombs
Airplanes
Missiles
Magnesium chloride, citrate, sulfate, oxide , hydroxide, stearate, taurate , sulphate and glycinate

What is Magnesium? The Properties of the Magnesium Element
Name of Element : Magnesium
Symbol of Element : Mg
Atomic Number of Magnesium : 12
Atomic Mass: 24.305 amu
Melting Point: 650.0 °C - 923.15 °K
Boiling Point: 1107.0 °C - 1380.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Magnesium : 12
Number of Neutrons in Magnesium : 12
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Density @ 293 K: 1.738 g/cm3
Color of Magnesium : silvery-white

Interesting Facts about the History of the Discovery of Magnesium Element
Magnesium was discovered by Joseph Black, in England, in 1755 who observed that magnesia alba (MgO) was not quicklime. The element was isolated by A. A. B. Bussy and Sir Humphry Davy in 1808 who isolated the metal electrochemically from magnesia.

Joseph Black (1728 – 1799)

Sir Humphry Davy
Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829) isolated Sodium, Lithium, Potassium, barium, strontium, and calcium by means of electrolysis. Davy also demonstrated the elementary nature of Chlorine, invented the safety lamp and discovered the stupefying effects of nitrous oxide.

Sir Humphry Davy (1778 - 1829)

Properties
Magnesium is a rather tough silvery-white metal of small density. Air does not act rapidly upon it, but a thin film of oxide forms upon its surface, dimming its bright luster. The common acids dissolve it with the formation of the corresponding salts. It can be ignited readily and in burning liberates much heat and gives a brilliant white light. This light is very rich in the rays which affect photographic plates, and the metal in the form of fine powder is extensively used in the production of flash lights and for white lights in pyrotechnic displays.

Magnesium as on the Periodic Table
Check out Magnesium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Magnesium as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Other elements classified as Alkaline Earth Metals
The other elements contained in this classification are as follows:

• Beryllium
• Calcium
• Strontium
• Barium
• Radium

What is Magnesium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Magnesium is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Magnesium with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Magnesium and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.