Magnesium

Magnesium is used in flashlight photography, flares, pyrotechnics and incendiary bombs.   Since it is 1/3 lighter than aluminum and improves aluminum arc welding and fabrication, it is alloyed with it and used in airplane and missile construction.   Magnesium is added to iron and steel in salt water environments to prevent corrosion by electrolysis.   It also is used to produce nodular graphite in cast iron and as an additive to propellants.   Magnesium is a reducing agent for producing pure aluminum and other metals from their salts.   Its hydroxide (milk of magnesia, a laxative), chloride (magnesium supplement), sulfate, (Epsom salts) and citrate (laxative) are used as medicines. ^{Lide 4-17}

Magnesium is essential to life and 70% of it is located in bones and 30% located in body fluids and soft tissues.   Magnesium ions cause nerve action for muscle contraction.   Magnesium assists in bone and protein growth and release of energy from muscle glycogen.   Sources: green leafy vegetables, nets, soybeans, seeds, whole grains, milk, corn, apples.   A deficiency results in nervous system disfunction because of calcium-magnesium ratio unbalance, and catharsis (bowel evacuation). ^{Brody 184, Netzer 801}

Magnesium is a component of the chlorophyll molecule and is necessary for functioning of plant enzymes to produce carbohydrates, sugars and fats.   It is used for fruit and nut formation and essential for germination of seeds.   Deficient plants appear chlorotic, i.e., they show yellowing between veins of older leaves, and the leaves may droop.   Magnesium may be leached from the soil, so it may have to be added. ^{Morgan n.p.}

Magnesium compounds were known in antiquity.   In 1755, Joseph Black, a Scottish chemist, recognized magnesium as an element and Humphry Davy, the British chemist, isolated it in 1808.   Bussy in 1831 prepared it.   In 1906, Richard Willstätter, a German chemist, discovered the magnesium atom in chlorophyll.   Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust and occurs in magnesite and dolomite ores.   It is prepared by electrolysis of fused magnesium chloride obtained from brines, wells, and sea water. ^{Lide 4-17}