12 Interesting Facts about Magnesium: Alkaline Earth Metal Atomic Element Number 12

1 Our sun could not manufacture magnesium, as its mass is too small. Only stars with over three times the mass of our sun or supernovae has sufficient heat and pressure to fuse helium and neon atoms to produce magnesium.

2 Magnesium is the fourth most abundant element of the earth’s mass after iron, oxygen and silicon. This might explain why magnesium is the third most abundant element found in seawater.

3 Humphry Davy was the first to extract a small amount of magnesium in its pure form in 1808 from magnesium oxide via a process of electrolysis (the administering of an electric current to drive a chemical reaction).

Magnesium Element

4 Magnesium Facts

Atomic number: 12

Atomic weight: 24.3050

State: solid

Category: grey-white alkaline earth metal

Melting point: 650°C (1,202°F)

Boiling point: 1,090°C (1,994°F)

What is Epsom Salts?

5 Magnesium sulphate, known also as Epsom Salts is named after Epsom Common in Southern England where in 1618, farmer Henry Wicker noticed a particular pool remained untouched by his cattle. On evaporating a water sample, extracted crystals of magnesium sulphate. This alkaline substance has since become a key ingredient in Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide), an antacid and laxative.

Health Uses of Magnesium

6 Magnesium has great healing properties and is often used to treat abrasions, cuts and wounds. Within an emollient or bath oil can help to alleviate rashes and other skin irritations.

7 Magnesium is the fourth most abundant trace element found in the body, as it is responsible for over three hundred biochemical processes and activates countless enzymes. Essential for bone formation, heart health, muscle tone and blood sugar regulation, magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, sleeping disorders, depression, lethargy and facial tics. Without magnesium, the muscles would be in a constant state of contraction. This can be remedied by a diet of nuts, soya and beans.

Magnesium Symbol

8 Chlorophyll would not exist without magnesium. It is magnesium’s metallic ion lying at its core that helps drive photosynthesis. Deficiency in this mineral can be seen when the leaves turn brown or discolored.

Magnesium Fascinating Facts

9 When added as an alloy to aluminum, magnesium creates a lightweight and strong metal for aircraft, car paneling and missiles. Being three times lighter than aluminum, magnesium alloy reduces pollution, as less fuel is needed. The metal can also be recycled.

10 Magnesium is highly flammable when powdered, granulated or shaved into fine pieces, producing a blinding white light. But when in a solid block is virtually impossible to ignite.

11 Magnesium is the flammable element used in photographic flashbulbs, flares, sparklers, fireworks and pyrotechnics.

12 Talcum powder is finely ground magnesium silicate, used in cosmetics and keeping skin fresh and dry. But talc has many other uses, namely papermaking, paint manufacture, ceramics, a food additive and for crayons.