Its compounds make up the plaster used in walls, the cement that holds bricks firmly together and concrete that makes the base for the house. Magnesium is one of the most important metals in the body, making up no less than one-fortieth of each and every one of us. It is also a very important element in the make-up of all green plants. Like calcium, magnesium is never naturally found alone but always as a compound combined with other elements. For example, it makes up the hard limestone-looking rocks of magnesium carbonate called dolomite.
Magnesium carbonate is used as a filler in paper and as an antacid.
Calcium metal burns with a brick-red flame. The flame test is an important way to look for the presence of calcium. Andbecause magnesium burns with an intense white light, it is also useful as a signal flare. The calcium and magnesium book will introduce you to some of the wide range of properties of calcium, magnesium and some of the compounds they form. It is a starting point for your exciting exploration into the world of chemistry.