The element Magnesium got its name when it was discovered. It is a silvery white metal that is highly reactive. Its chemical symbol is Mg and atomic number is 12. Its atomic mass is relatively 24. Therefore, it has 12 protons, 12 neutrons, and 12 electrons. According to Steve Gagnon in “The Element Magnesium” Magnesium was isolated by Sir Humphry Davy, an English chemist, through the electrolysis of a mixture of magnesium oxide and mercuric oxide in 1808.
Magnesium has a melting point of 650° C (1202° F), a boiling point of 1090° C (1994° F), a density of 1.74 g/ cm3 at 20° C (68° F), and a mean specific heat of 1.023 J g−1 K−1 (0.249 cal/ g × °C). Its most common oxidation number is +2. Pure magnesium is highly active chemically and, therefore, does not occur free in nature, but its mineral compounds are widely distributed in most countries of the world. Seawater, which contains about 0.13% magnesium, is a virtually inexhaustible source. One cubic mile of ocean contains about 6 million tons of magnesium. The metal is high in the electromotive series, which allows the metal to displace a large number of …show more content…
It is the seventh most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. As stated by Douglas V. Keller Jr. in “Magnesium” Magnesium-rich minerals are magnesite, dolomite, hydromagnesite, brucite, carnallite, kieserite, kainite, serpentine, and olivine. Of those that are found in the United States include magnesite brucite, which occurs in commercial quantity only in Nevada, where it adjoins very large magnesite deposits; and dolomite, which is widespread throughout the United States. Olivine and serpentine also occur in huge deposits in the United States. Seawater, waste liquors from the potash industry, and well brines from salt wells are significant sources of magnesium salts. Magnesium is highly reactive, consequently it is easy to form alloys with
Magnesium has a melting point of 650° C (1202° F), a boiling point of 1090° C (1994° F), a density of 1.74 g/ cm3 at 20° C (68° F), and a mean specific heat of 1.023 J g−1 K−1 (0.249 cal/ g × °C). Its most common oxidation number is +2. Pure magnesium is highly active chemically and, therefore, does not occur free in nature, but its mineral compounds are widely distributed in most countries of the world. Seawater, which contains about 0.13% magnesium, is a virtually inexhaustible source. One cubic mile of ocean contains about 6 million tons of magnesium. The metal is high in the electromotive series, which allows the metal to displace a large number of …show more content…
It is the seventh most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. As stated by Douglas V. Keller Jr. in “Magnesium” Magnesium-rich minerals are magnesite, dolomite, hydromagnesite, brucite, carnallite, kieserite, kainite, serpentine, and olivine. Of those that are found in the United States include magnesite brucite, which occurs in commercial quantity only in Nevada, where it adjoins very large magnesite deposits; and dolomite, which is widespread throughout the United States. Olivine and serpentine also occur in huge deposits in the United States. Seawater, waste liquors from the potash industry, and well brines from salt wells are significant sources of magnesium salts. Magnesium is highly reactive, consequently it is easy to form alloys with