2. Origin of the Name
The name for Magnesium derives from the
ancient city of Magnesia in Thessaly, Greece
3. The Discovery
• Sir Humphry Davy first
isolated magnesium in
1808.
• He passed an electric
current through
magnesium oxide. This
compound broke
apart to form
magnesium metal and
oxygen gas.
• Joseph Black, a Scottish
chemist, discovered
magnesium in 1755.
• He showed that
magnesium and oxide
were different and not
lime as most thought.
Black
Davy
4. Properties
• Solid at room temperature
• A silvery white element
• 648.8˚C melting point and 1090˚C
boiling point
• Density at 19.85˚C is 1.738 grams per
cubic centimeter
• Structural properties similar to
aluminum
5. Limitations
Since magnesium is highly flammable at specific
temperatures, its uses are limited.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UJTR-
LA1z4&playnext=1&list=PL2B6CF7F161874AB6&index=20
6. Isotopes
• 24Mg (78.7%)
• 25 Mg (10.13%)
• 26 Mg (11.17%)
• 28 Mg (This is a
radioactive isotope
of magnesium.)
7. Availability
• Magnesium can be obtained by electrolysis of molten, or
melted, magnesium chloride found in seawater.
o Each cubic mile of seawater contains about 6 million tons
of this element.
8. Magnesium is the
6th most abundant
element in the
Earth’s crust; its
abundance being
about 2.1%.
9. • There are two methods to obtain Magnesium:
1. An electric current is passed through a molten
compound of magnesium.
2. Magnesium is reacted with ferrosilicon, an alloy of iron
and silicon, to form free magnesium metal.
Electrolysis of magnesium chloride
10. Daily Consumption of Magnesium
• People usually have no problem obtaining the
300-400 milligrams of magnesium that is
recommended in our daily diet.
• It can be found in nuts, cereals, seafood, and
green vegetables.
11. The Primary Uses of Magnesium
• Flash photography
o Magnesium metal can also be
found in cameras that use flash
bulbs.
o When the flash is ignited, the
magnesium catches on fire.
o While burning, it will produce a
very bright white light.
12. Primary Uses (cont.)
• Pyrotechnics
o The burning of magnesium is also used in
fireworks, producing the white sparkle effect.
13. Primary Uses (cont.)
• Magnesium alloys is used to make certain
components of airplanes, missiles, and other
items that make important use of the light
metals.
• Cost
o The cost for pure magnesium is $3.70 per 100
grams.
14. Primary uses: The Major Compounds
of Magnesium
• Magnesium Sulfate
o Epsom Salt: Soaking
in this salt soothes
sore muscles and
removes dry skin.
15. Major Compounds
• Magnesium oxide (Magnesia)
o Used in the production of glass and ceramics
• Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
o Used as a laxative for constipation and as an
antacid.
16. Medical Uses for Magnesium
• A few examples include:
o Magnesium bromide- a sedative to help one sleep
o Magnesium acetylsalicylate- a pain killer and fever
reducer
17. Fun Magnesium Videos
• The reaction of Magnesium with Carbon Dioxide
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqErrNvns4o&feature
=related
• The reaction of Magnesium and Oxygen to make
Magnesium Oxide
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmh0efpibyo
• The reaction between Magnesium and Iodine
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_eXBRYz9mQ&featur
e=related
• Reaction between powdered Magnesium and Water
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v40s8_7ZcrU&feature
=related
