Magnesium | Name | Magnesium | | Symbol | Mg | | Atomic Number | 12 | | Atomic Mass | 24.305 atomic mass units | | Number of Protons | 12 | | Number of Neutrons | 12 | | Number of Electrons | 12 | | Melting Point | 650.0° C | | Boiling Point | 1107.0° C | | Density | 2.62 grams per cubic centimeter | | Normal Phase | Solid | | Family | Alkaline Earth Metals | | Period | 3 | | Cost | $3.70 for 100 grams | | Origin of Name | From the Greek word Magnesia, a district of Thessaly | | Date of Discovery | 1808 in England | | Discovered by | Sir Humphry Davy | | Common Compounds | - Magnesium carbonate (MgCo3)
- Magnesium chloride (MgCl2)
- Magnesium diboride (MgB2)
- Magnesium fluoride (MgF2)
- Magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2]
- Magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO3)2]
- Magnesium oxide (MgO)
- Magnesium peroxide (MgO2)
- Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4)
| | Interesting facts | - It is the eighth most common element in the earth's crust, but is the most commercially used element.
- It is obtained from seawater.
- It is a very flammable metal.
- The center of chlorophyll contains magnesium.
- Pouring water on burning magnesium will increase the fire and can cause explosions.
- Magnesium oxide is the byproduct of burning magnesium and can cause respiratory problems like asthma or emphysema.
| | Common Uses | - Photography flash products
- Bombs
- Signal flares
- Medicines
- Insulation
- Paper
- Fabrics
- Cements
- Ceramics
- Cosmetics
| Photo Courtesy of About.com Chemical Elements General Chemistry Online Wikipedia | | Magnesium Atomic Structure | Elements by Name | Elements by Number | Home | |
