Atomic Number: 12
Relative Atomic Mass: 24.305

Appearance
Magnesium is a silvery white, lustrous and relatively soft metal, which tarnishes slightly in air.

Source
Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, but does not occur free naturally. It is found in large deposits in minerals such as Magnesite and Dolomite. Commercially, it is prepared by electolysis of fused Magnesium chloride derived from brines, wells and sea water.

Uses
Magnesium is used in flash photography, flares, pyrotechnics and incendiary bombs. As it is a third lighter than Aluminium, its alloys are useful in aeroplane and missile consruction. It improves the mechanical, fabrication and welding characterisitics of Aluminium when used as an alloying agent. Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), sulphate (Epsom Salts), chloride and citrate are used in medicine. Grignard reagents, which are organic Magnesium compounds, are important commercially.

General Information
Magnesium is an essential element in both plant and animal life. Chlorophyll is a Magnesium centred porphyrin.

Great care should be taken when handling Magnesium, especially when finely divided, as serious fires can occur. Magnesium burns with a brilliant white light which can seriously damage eyes.