Magnesium is a metallic element with industrial and biological uses. It is found in compounds and seawater, and is used in alloys and lighting. Sir Humphry Davy discovered it in 1808. In the human body, it is vital for biochemical reactions and can be found in leafy greens.
Magnesium is an abundant metallic chemical element that has a number of industrial applications as well as being vital to many living organisms, including humans. Its atomic number is 12 and the element is identified with the symbol Mg on the periodic table of elements. It is classified as an alkaline earth element, along with calcium and barium, among others. One of the most distinctive uses of magnesium is as a source of lighting, as it burns bright white when ignited.
Sir Humphry Davy is generally credited with the discovery of magnesium, in 1808. It has been suspected that Davy actually discovered an oxide of the metal, eventually deducing the element’s existence, but in both cases, the element was easily extracted from the middle 1800. One form, Epsom salts, had already been used since the 17th century and continues to be readily available as a body wash. Milk of magnesia, another folk remedy, also contains magnesium.
In nature, this element is always found in compounds with other substances, as it is reactive and will easily fuse with a wide variety of things. Seawater is an excellent source of magnesium, as the element is found in high concentrations there. A number of companies extract the element from seawater for a variety of industrial uses. When isolated, it is a silvery white, extremely light metal. In elemental form, magnesium is essentially nontoxic, although the chips or powder are potentially explosive. If heated, it can trigger toxic reactions, so face protection should be used when working with hot magnesium.
Although magnesium is extremely light, it is also very strong. This makes it very suitable for alloys, especially in the aerospace industry. Even some high-end automobiles use these alloys, as the metal can lighten the overall weight of a car, making it faster and more efficient. Magnesium is also used in lighting tools. Some chemistry teachers like to set wood chips on fire to demonstrate to students the brilliant explosive qualities of the element.
In the human body, magnesium is among the top five most abundant elements. About half of the body is concentrated in bone and the element contributes to a number of vital biochemical reactions. In general, a healthy diet provides enough of this mineral. An excess will lead to diarrhea, while a deficiency will cause neuromuscular problems. Leafy green vegetables are a great source, along with other vital minerals.
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