13.97 Melting point 922 Oxidation states 2 Boiling point 1363 Stable isotopes 3 Heat of vapor. Back Magnesium Magnesium is a very light metal. Only calcium and the alkali metals are lighter.
Magnesium reacts with boiling water to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
The metal burns in air with a bright white light, leading to application in flares. Magnesium powder and an oxidizing agent is used as flash powder. Magnesium sulfate, MgSO4.7H2O is called Epsom salt and is used as a cleansing agent. Magnesium is a key component in chlorophyll, the molecule in green plants which helps transform sunlight and carbon dioxide into water and sugar. Reference Pauling Ch.