magnesium

magnesium
    n 1: a light silver-white ductile bivalent metallic element; in
         pure form it burns with brilliant white flame; occurs
         naturally only in combination (as in magnesite and dolomite
         and carnallite and spinel and olivine) [syn: {magnesium},
         {Mg}, {atomic number 12}]
    

Magnesium \Mag*ne"si*um\, n. [NL. & F. See {Magnesia}.] (Chem.)
   A light silver-white metallic element of atomic number 12,
   malleable and ductile, quite permanent in dry air but
   tarnishing in moist air. It burns, forming (the oxide)
   magnesia, with the production of a blinding light (the
   so-called magnesium light) which is used in signaling, in
   pyrotechny, or in photography where a strong actinic
   illuminant is required. Its compounds occur abundantly, as in
   dolomite, talc, meerschaum, etc. Symbol Mg. Atomic weight,
   24.305. Specific gravity, 1.75.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Magnesium sulphate}. (Chem.) Same as {Epsom salts}.
      [1913 Webster]
    

magnesium
Symbol: Mg
Atomic number: 12
Atomic weight: 24.312
Silvery metallic element belonging to group 2 of the periodic table
(alkaline-earth metals). It is essential for living organisms, and is
used
in a number of light alloys. Chemically very reactive, it forms a
protective oxide coating when exposed to air and burns with an intense
white flame. It also reacts with sulphur, nitrogen and the halogens.
First
isolated by Bussy in 1828.