How hot does magnesium burn?

Magnesium ignites at 632 degrees Celsius and burns at 1982 C. This is equivalent to igniting at 1169 degrees Fahrenheit and burning at 3599 F.

Magnesium emits ultraviolet light when burning, so one must not look directly at the flame. Magnesium is used in flares and tracer ammunition.

Fighting a magnesium fire is quite unusual. It actually burns better in carbon dioxide, so fire extinguishers can accelerate the fire, instead of extinguishing it. Adding water occasionally causes a steam explosion, which spreads the fire. Water can even split into hydrogen and oxygen in a magnesium fire, resulting in a hydrogen explosion.