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. |