Uses of Magnesium

Magnesium was discovered in 1808 by Sir Humphrey Davy. It is the 12th element in the periodic table having an atomic number 12 and atomic symbol Mg. It is one of the most widely found elements on the earth. It is silvery white in color, slightly inflammable, which burns with a white flame. Magnesium is an alkaline earth element which constitutes about 2% of the earth's crust.

Common Uses of Magnesium

Its properties like ductility, malleability and light weight makes magnesium an important element for making various products. Also, magnesium is required in minute amounts in human beings too. It is mixed with other elements to form oxides, nitrates or sulfate and used for different applications.

... For Human Beings
Magnesium rich foods include green leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grains, dairy products and chocolates. Lack of it in the body can lead to a serious deficiency disorder in human beings known as magnesium deficiency syndrome. The following are the health benefits of magnesium.

• Although required in smaller amounts, it is an important element used in more than 300 chemical reactions in the human body.
• It is very essential for proper growth and maintenance of bones in human beings.
• It is also used as an antacid in indigestion caused due to stomach acid.
• It is believed to help in several functions of the body like maintaining normal blood pressure, maintaining normal blood sugar levels, and in protein synthesis.
• It also acts as a natural laxative; but, excess of it can lead to diarrhea.
• It is used to enhance tolerance and endurance levels in athletes.
• Magnesium aspartate is essential for proper transportation of minerals in the blood stream.

... in Industry

• It is used as an important element in the automobile industry.
• It is also used in production of missiles and aircraft.
• It is used as a reducing agent in the production of uranium.
• Magnesium oxide is used as refractory material for the production of iron and steel.
• It is used in computers for shielding radio frequency.
• It is used in furnace linings for the production of glass and metals.
• Magnesium carbonate is used for heavy-duty insulation in ovens, ships and boilers.
• Alloys of magnesium are also used for making high quality wheels in automobiles.

... in Everyday Life

• Epsom salt, one of the forms of magnesium, is used as a bath soak.
• It is mixed with aluminum, and this alloy is used for making beverage cans.
• Magnesium chloride is also used in several electric utilities.
• It was used in flares and flash photography.
• Magnesium chloride is used as an anti-icer or a de-icer to prevent ice from adhering to roads and pavements.
• Hand chalk used by athletes and rock climbers is actually magnesium carbonate.

Magnesium is found in chlorophyll which is essential for metabolism. It is also very essential in the process of photosynthesis. Therefore, as its applications are found in diverse fields, it can truly be said that magnesium is one of the most important elements known to man!