Overview
Magnesium is a lightweight, moderately reactive metal important in structural alloys and enzymatic biology.
Properties
It has good strength to weight ratio, burns with a bright white flame and forms stable oxides and salts.
Occurrence and Uses
Found in minerals and seawater, magnesium is used in aerospace alloys, refractory materials and as a dietary mineral.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes include Mg 24, Mg 25 and Mg 26; magnesium dust and burning metal require specialized fire suppression methods.