Where does magnesium come from?

Magnesium is found in mineral deposits such as dolomite and magnesite, and it is an abundant element in the earth’s crust. It does not occur naturally as a pure metal.

Joseph Black discovered this silvery-white metal in 1755. However, Sir Humphrey Davy was the first to isolate this element through the process of electrolysis.

The chemical symbol for magnesium is Mg, and it has an atomic number of 12. Its melting point is 650 degrees Celsius, and its boiling point is 1,090 degrees Celsius.

Magnesium has various uses, including in photography, fireworks, incendiary bombs and flares. Magnesium also has medical applications. For example, as milk of magnesia, it is useful as an antacid for stomach upsets.