Magnesium is the second element in Group 2 of the periodic table, a group of elements known as the alkaline earth metals. Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, an atomic mass of 24.305, and a chemical symbol of Mg.

Properties

Magnesium is a moderately hard, silvery white metal, the lightest of all structural metals. The element is easily molded, bent, cut, and otherwise fabricated. Magnesium's melting point is 1,204°F (651°C), its boiling point is 2,025°F (1,100°C), and its density is 1.738 grams per cubic centimeter.

Magnesium is a fairly active metal that reacts slowly with cold water and more rapidly with hot water. It reacts with oxygen at room temperature to form a thin skin of magnesium oxide (MgO) that protects the underlying metal from further oxidation. At higher temperatures, magnesium reacts vigorously with oxygen to produce a blinding white light. The metal also reacts with most...