Magnesium+2

=__**Magnesium (Mg):**__=



> >
 * **Chemical characteristics of the element:** Magnesium is a Group II (also known as an alkaline earth metal) element that reacts to a number of different substances.
 * **Physical characteristics of the element:** Compared to other metal elements Magnesium is very light. It's relatively low density (1740 kg/m3) and white/silver appearance make Magnesium a very interesting metal.
 * **Where is this element found in nature?:** As the 8th abundant element (3rd most abundant metal) in nature, Magnesium is found all over the world. It's most common found within minerals such as dolomite, magnetite, olivine and serpentine, but can also be found in seawater.
 * **How is the element recovered and purified?**: Magnesium is an element that is commercially produced, unlike others produced in a labratory. Through a process which isolates magnesium from seawater, magnesium chloride (MgCl2 ) is produced when reacted with calcium oxide (CaO). Other methods include isolating magnesium from the mineral dolomite, and then distilling it from a mixture of different products.
 * **How do we use the element?:** Today, we use magnesium as a metal. Magnesium specifically is used when weight is a factor, and a strong light metal is needed.
 * **What products are made from the element?:** Furnace linings for producing metals such as glass, iron, and steel. Magnesium is especially used in aeuronautics when light metals are needed for airplanes or missiles. This element also has flamable properties which burn a very bright, white light.
 * **How are these products used?:** These products are used for many different things. The furnace linings are used when manufacturing metals. Magnesium compounds are used in airplanes and other flying machines due to their low weight. Also, magnesium is used in fireworks because of the bright light produced when ignited.
 * **Are there any environmental concerns due to this use?:** The tests on the environmental effects of magnesium prove that it is not too harmful. As with most other ignited elements, it is not recommended that one should inhale the fumes for that will cause negative effects. On a spectrum of environmental toxicity from 0 to 3, magnesium measures a low .8
 * **How are waste products disposed of?:** Usually, a professional company will dispose of any excess magnesium waste. Depending on the type of magnesium being thrown out, different methods of waste removal can be performed. Here, http://www.china-channels.com/dir/4136/Waste-Magnesium, you can find different companies that dispose of magnesium.
 * **Is the element an important nutrient for human health? If yes:**
 * **What are the nutritional requirements?:** In an average day a person needs around 200 mg of magnesium.
 * **What are the side effects of either consuming too much or not enough?:** If somebody takes in too much magnesium (such as magnesium supplements) their muscles can become weak, and lethargy and confusion can occur.

-Pat Vigue

"Magnesium (Mg) - Chemical properties, Health and Environmental effects." //Water Treatment and Purification - Lenntech//. Web. 22 Nov. 2009. .

"| Magnesium | Essential information." //WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements//. Web. 22 Nov. 2009. .