Mg
24.305Magnesium
Magnezyum
Magnesium is a light alkaline earth metal with atomic number 12. It burns with a bright white flame, forms lightweight alloys, and is essential in chlorophyll, enzyme function and many biological processes.
12
24.305 g/mol
[Ne] 3s²
2 | 8 | 2
1.31
1.738 g/cm³
649.9 °C
1089.8 °C
Joseph Black
Joseph Black distinguished magnesia from lime in 1755, and Humphry Davy later isolated magnesium metal. The name is linked to Magnesia, a region in Greece.
Magnesium-24
Natural abundance: About 79.0%. The most abundant stable isotope of magnesium.Magnesium-25
Natural abundance: About 10.0%. Stable isotope used in isotope and NMR studies.Magnesium-26
Natural abundance: About 11.0%. Stable isotope used in geochemical and isotope studies.MgO
Magnesium OxideHeat-resistant material used in refractory bricks and furnace linings.Mg(OH)₂
Magnesium HydroxideUsed as milk of magnesia in antacids and laxatives.MgSO₄·7H₂O
Magnesium SulfateEpsom salt used in medicine, agriculture and laboratory applications.MgCl₂
Magnesium ChlorideUsed to produce magnesium metal and in de-icing and dust control.- Lightweight alloys for aircraft, cars, tools and electronic devices
- Flares, fireworks and sparklers because burning magnesium gives a bright white light
- Magnesium oxide for heat-resistant bricks and furnace linings
- Magnesium hydroxide and magnesium sulfate in medical and household uses
- Grignard reagents in organic chemistry
Magnesium is essential for life. It is the central atom in chlorophyll and is required for many enzymes, energy metabolism and normal muscle and nerve function.
- Magnesium burns with an intense white flame.
- Burning magnesium should not be extinguished with water or carbon dioxide because it can keep reacting at high temperature.
- Magnesium is one of the lightest structural metals.
- The human body contains roughly 25 g of magnesium, much of it in bones and inside cells.
- Plants need magnesium because chlorophyll contains magnesium at its center.
- Magnesium has atomic number 12 and belongs to group 2.
- Its electron configuration is [Ne] 3s².
- Magnesium commonly forms Mg²⁺ by losing two outer electrons.
- Magnesium is less reactive with cold water than calcium but reacts more readily with steam.
What is the atomic number of magnesium?
The atomic number of magnesium is 12.
What is the electron configuration of magnesium?
Magnesium has the electron configuration [Ne] 3s².
Why is magnesium important in biology?
Magnesium is essential in chlorophyll, enzyme function, energy metabolism and normal muscle and nerve activity.
Why should burning magnesium not be extinguished with water?
Burning magnesium can keep reacting at high temperature, so water or carbon dioxide can make the fire more dangerous.
What is magnesium used for?
Magnesium is used in lightweight alloys, flares, fireworks, refractory materials, medicines and organic chemistry reagents.