The word "magnesium" originates from the Greek word "magnesia", which refers to a region in eastern Thessaly, Greece. This region was known for its abundance of a particular type of stone, which was used to produce a white powder known as magnesia alba.
Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It belongs to the alkaline earth metals group, which have two valence electrons. Magnesium is a lightweight, strong, and ductile metal that is silvery-white in appearance. It is an essential nutrient for all living organisms and plays a vital role in various biological processes.
Magnesium is not found in its pure form in nature but is abundantly present in various compounds and minerals. The primary source of magnesium for commercial purposes is seawater, from which it is extracted through a process of electrolysis. Other sources of magnesium include magnesite (magnesium carbonate), dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate), and brucite (magnesium hydroxide).
Magnesium was first isolated in its pure form in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy, an English chemist. He electrolyzed a mixture of magnesia alba and mercury oxide, producing an amalgam of magnesium and mercury. Davy subsequently heated the amalgam to vaporize the mercury, leaving behind pure magnesium.
Etymology Greek magnesia μαγνησία Latin magnesia Proto Indo European
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Etymology of Magnesium The word magnesium originates from the Greek word magnesia wh
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Etymology of Magnesium The word magnesium originates from the Greek word magnesia wh
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