Magnesium

Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg, atomic number 12 and common oxidation number +2. It is an alkaline earth metal and the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, where it constitutes about 2% by mass, and ninth in the known Universe as a whole. The free element (metal) is not found naturally on Earth, as it is highly reactive (though once produced, is coated in a thin layer of oxide (see passivation), which partly masks this reactivity). The free metal burns with a characteristic brilliant white light, making it a useful ingredient in flares. The metal is now mainly obtained by electrolysis of magnesium salts obtained from brine. Commercially, the chief use for the metal is as an alloying agent to make aluminium-magnesium alloys, sometimes called "magnalium" or "magnelium". Since magnesium is less dense than aluminium, these alloys are prized for their relative lightness and strength.

Conservation

Cleaning

• Mechanical
• Chemical

Alkaline cleaner

30 gms sodium carbonate

30 gms trisodium phosphate

1 gm synthetic soap

1 lit water

80-95 C temp.,3-20 minutes,pH 11.

• Electrochemical

Electrolytic Cleaning

25 gm sodium carbonate

25 gm sodium phosphate

1 lit distilled water

stainless steel anode,1-2 A/dm2,90 C temp.

Immerse object in solution,it must be connected to negative terminal of current source,anode must be immersed previously.Rinse well!

• Ultrasonic
• Laser

External links

Magnesium.com - online resource