Magnesium
The main uses of magnesium metal are in alloys with aluminum in order to obtain low density strong structures, used widely in cars and in planes
The main magnesium producing countries are:
USA
Canada
China
Russia
Israel
Norway
Australia
Production methods
Reduction of magnesium oxide by ferro-silicon in electrical furnaces.
Electrolysis of magnesium chloride or carnallite
Magneium compounds
Magnesium chloride is used to lower the melting point of snow on roads
Magnesium hydroxide is used for the neutralization of acids
Magnesium oxide (Magnesite) is used as a basis for many ceramics, as a filler in the plastics industry and as a flame retardant.
Periclase is the purer form of magnesium oxide and is used for high quality ceramic insulation.
Magnesium sulfate is used as a filler in the paper industry
The main producing countries of magnesium compounds are:
USA
China
Turkey
North Korea
Slovakia
Russia
Production methods
The reaction of brines or sea water with ground dolomite Calcination of magnesium carbonate
The Aman process for periclase from magnesium chloride
The reaction of caustic soda with magnesium chloride and calcination