We explain what magnesium is, how it was discovered and what its characteristics are. We also explain its properties and uses.
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is a metallic chemical elementthe seventh in abundance on planet Earth and a constituent of ions essential for life.
It is a light metal, silvery white and medium stronginsoluble and highly reactive, so it is usually found in compounds and salts.
It is an alkaline earth metal and its chemical behavior is similar to that of calcium, a neighboring element in the periodic table.
Magnesium It is in various foodsbut especially those of plant origin such as seeds, nuts, dried herbs, bran, walnuts, almonds and many others. It is part of the essential nutrients for the human body.
It is represented by the symbol Mg.
See also: Lead
Discovery of magnesium
Its name comes from Latin magnesium and this word, in turn, comes from Greek, like those of magnetite and manganese, since these metals were found in abundance in the Prefecture of Magnesia, one of the four regions into which Ancient Thessaly was divided, in Hellenistic Greece.
Magnesium It was discovered in 1618, when an English farmer named Epsom noticed that his cows refused to drink water from a nearby well, but that spraying them with it cured their rashes and rashes. Thus Epsom salts were born, which were actually hydrated magnesium sulfate (MgSO4 · 7H2O). Its status as a chemical element was only ratified in 1755 by Joseph Black, and its production as such took place in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy.
Atomic characteristics of magnesium
Magnesium atoms have a valence of 2 and an atomic mass of 24.31 u, as well as an electronegativity of 1.31 on the Pauling scaleIt is a frequent salt former, because it can easily form positive ions (Mg2+). In addition, it has a high reactivity.
Natural state of magnesium
It is considered that About 2% of the Earth’s crust is composed of magnesium and it is the third most abundant element in sea waters. However, it is never found in its metallic state in nature, but rather as a component of organic and inorganic compounds.
More than 60 minerals such as dolomite, dolomite, magnesite, brucite, carnallite and olivine They have abundant presence of the element, which is usually obtained more easily by electrolysis of magnesium chloride, from seawater.
Physical properties of magnesium
Is about an ordinarily solid metalof the paramagnetic type, with melting and boiling points of 650 °C and 1090 °C respectively.
Chemical properties of magnesium
Magnesium is highly flammable, especially when in powder or chips, not in its most solid state. This is because it is usually protected from environmental oxygen with a layer of impermeable oxide that is quite difficult to remove.
Yes indeed, once the magnesium is turned on it is difficult to turn it offas it reacts with the nitrogen in the air and generates a very intense white flame.
Biological role of magnesium
Magnesium is essential for living cells of plant and animal organismsand has abundant presence in chlorophyll and other essential organic compounds.
Its ions play a vital role as part of coenzymes and as DNA and RNA stabilizeras well as in the formation of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, in muscle relaxation, vital for the heart muscle, and in its action as an energizer and calmer in the body.
Diseases linked to magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is very raregiven its abundance in the environment and in foods of an ordinary diet. However, it can occur as a consequence of intestinal or digestive tract absorption difficulties, or as a consequence of certain medications. The main symptoms of its deficiency are: extreme irritability, drowsiness, fatigue and muscular weakness.
Applications of magnesium
Magnesium has many applications, both in the industrial field (as an alloy metal or in the reactions to obtain other elements, such as hydrogen) and in the medical and nutritional fields. Some of its uses are:
- It is used in alloys with aluminum, to manufacture cans, containers and auto parts.
- Its oxides are used in the production of iron and steel, glass and cement.
- It is used as a reducing agent in obtaining uranium.
- In hydroxides, chlorides or sulfates, it is used in medicine as a purgative, disinfectant or psychotropic drug.
- Magnesium carbonate is used as a desiccant in sports disciplines to eliminate sweat and improve grip.
- Magnesium is famously used in the early days of photography (flash) and as part of fireworks and incendiary bombs.
Isotopes
Magnesium has several isotopes. The most stable is Mg-26used in radiometric dating, as an indicator in the study of meteorites and objects from outside the solar system.
Precautions against magnesium
The main precautions in the handling of magnesium have to do with its extreme flammability in the powdered stateas it reacts quickly in contact with heat or air.
Its extreme reactivity requires that it be separated from acids (it produces abundant hydrogen, also flammable) and that once lit, do not try to extinguish it with water but with dry sand, sodium chloride or class D extinguishers.
Compounds with magnesium
Some compounds with this element are:
- Magnesium hydroxideWith the formula Mg(OH)2, it is a very commonly used antacid and laxative.
- Magnesium carbonate. Used by athletes as a desiccant, it responds to the formula MgCO3.
- Magnesium nitrate. With the formula Mg(NO3)2, it is a hygroscopic salt that is very soluble in water and ethanol.