A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

41

Alkaline Earth Metals

White lights

from burning

magnesium

compounds

This widely

used cement

contains powdered

magnesium oxide.

Chlorophyll

molecule

Chlorophyll is an important

molecule in plants and is

what makes them green.

At its centre sits a

magnesium atom,

which helps plants

convert sunlight into

energy in a process

called photosynthesis.

NN

N N

Mg

Uses MAGNESIUM IN CHLOROPHYLL

Magnesium carbonate, or magnesia, reacts

with acid in the stomach to settle indigestion.

Heating magnesia produces magnesium oxide,

which is one of the ingredients in cement.

Magnesium compounds are also used in

fireworks, and they burn hot with a white

flame. Salts composed of magnesium,

called Epsom salts, named after the place

in England where they were first mined,

work as a muscle relaxant. Magnesium

silicate, known as talc, is a soft mineral

used in body powders.

Laptop

This powder

makes skin

smooth and soft.

The magnesium alloy case of

this laptop is strong but lightweight.

The magnesium alloy body

of this camera is lightweight

and will not rust.

This indigestion

medicine is a

mixture of water

and magnesium

carbonate.

Magnesium

fireworks

Magnesium alloy

makes this wheel

strong and shiny.

Milk of magnesia

Po

rt

la

nd

(^) c
em
ent
Cr ystals containing
magnesium sulfate are
added to warm water
for a soothing bath.
Al
lo
y
w
he
el
Digital camer
a
Talcum^ pow
der
E
ps
om
sa
lts
040-041_Magnesium.indd 41 12/12/16 5:37 pm