magnesium

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magnesium (symbol Mg) Silvery-white metallic element, one of the alkaline-earth metals. Magnesium's chief sources are magnesite and dolomite. Magnesium burns in air with an intense white flame, and is used in flashbulbs, fireworks, flares, and incendiaries. Magnesium alloys are light, and are used in aircraft fuselages, jet engines, missiles, and rockets. Chemically, the element is similar to calcium. Hydrated magnesium sulphate is called Epsom salts. Properties: at.no. 12; r.a.m. 24.312; r.d. 1.738; m.p. 648.8°C (1200°F); b.p. 1090°C (1994°F); most common isotope Mg24 (78.7%).

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