 Discovery Information |
| Who:
Sir Humphrey Davy
|
| When: 1808 |
| Where: England |
|
| Name Origin |
| From Magnesia ancient city in Asia Minor. |
|
| Sources |
| Although magnesium is found in over 60 minerals, only dolomite, magnesite, brucite, carnallite, talc, and olivine are of commercial importance. Usually obtained by electrolysis of melted magnesium chloride found in sea water. China produces around 60% of the world's magnesium, |
|
| Uses |
| Used in alloys to make airplanes, missiles, racing bikes and other things that need light metals. Also used in fireplace bricks, flashbulbs, pigments and filters. |
|
| Notes |
| Organic magnesium is important in both plant and animal life. |
| Magnesium metal and alloys are highly flammable in their pure form when molten, as a powder, or in ribbon form. Burning or molten magnesium metal reacts violently with water. Magnesium powder is an explosive hazard. |
