Magnesium
🌿 In Your World
Magnesium is the central atom in the chlorophyll molecule, making it essential for photosynthesis and literally giving plants their green color. It's also incredibly lightweight and strong, so its alloys are used in high-performance products like laptops, cameras, and car parts. When lit, magnesium burns with a famously brilliant white light, making it a key ingredient in fireworks and flares.
📖 The Discovery Story
In 1755, Scottish chemist Joseph Black recognized magnesium as a distinct element, distinguishing its oxide (magnesia) from lime (calcium oxide). However, the pure metal was not isolated until 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy in England. He used electrolysis on a mixture of magnesia and mercuric oxide. The name originates from Magnesia, a district in the Thessaly region of Greece.
📊 Properties at a Glance
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Melting Point | 650 °C / 1202 °F |
| Boiling Point | 1090 °C / 1994 °F |
| Electron Configuration | [Ne] 3s² |
| Abundance in Earth's Crust | 2.33% |
⚠️ Safety & Handling
While solid magnesium is safe to handle, magnesium in powder or ribbon form is highly flammable and can ignite easily in air. It burns with an intensely hot, bright white light. Magnesium fires cannot be extinguished with water, as water reacts with hot magnesium to produce flammable hydrogen gas, which can make the fire more intense.