Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12.

It is a shiny gray
metal that belongs to the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table. Here are some key
points about magnesium:

### Physical and Chemical Properties

- **Appearance**: Magnesium is a shiny, silvery-white metal.
- **Density**: It has a low density of 1.74 g/cm³, making it a lightweight metal.
- **Melting Point**: The melting point of magnesium is 650 °C (1202 °F).
- **Boiling Point**: The boiling point of magnesium is 1091 °C (1994 °F).
- **Reactivity**: Magnesium is highly reactive, especially when powdered or in ribbon form. It
burns with a bright white flame and reacts with water, although slowly at room temperature.

### Occurrence and Production

- **Natural Sources**: Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and
is found in minerals such as dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂), magnesite (MgCO₃), and in seawater as
magnesium chloride (MgCl₂).
- **Extraction**: Magnesium is typically extracted from seawater or mined minerals. The most
common method of extraction is the electrolysis of magnesium chloride.

### Uses
- **Alloys**: Magnesium is used to create strong, lightweight alloys, particularly with aluminum,
zinc, and manganese. These alloys are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and
electronics industries.
- **Construction and Manufacturing**: Magnesium is used in the production of various
components, including bicycle frames, automotive parts, and portable electronic devices, due to
its strength and low weight.
- **Chemical Industry**: Magnesium compounds, such as magnesium oxide (MgO), are used as
refractories in furnace linings, and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is used as a fire retardant.
- **Medical**: Magnesium is essential for human health, playing a role in over 300 enzymatic
reactions. Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) is used in medicine as a laxative, and magnesium
hydroxide is used as an antacid.
- **Agriculture**: Magnesium sulfate and magnesium carbonate are used as fertilizers to correct
magnesium deficiencies in soil.

### Health and Safety

- **Biological Role**: Magnesium is crucial for many biological processes, including muscle and
nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health. It is an essential mineral in the human
diet.
- **Toxicity**: Magnesium is generally safe in dietary amounts, but excessive intake from
supplements can cause adverse effects, including diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
- **Handling**: Magnesium metal should be handled with care due to its reactivity, particularly in
powdered form, which can be flammable. When burning, it produces intense light that can
damage eyes, so appropriate safety measures should be taken.
Magnesium's versatility and essential role in various industries and biological systems make it
an important element. Its properties as a lightweight, strong metal contribute significantly to
advancements in technology and health.