Chemical Elements History and Information Magnesium

About the chemical element Magnesium, its symbol, atomic number and weight, who discovered it and when.

The Atomic Elements and Their Uses

(Element) (Symbol) (Atomic number) (Atomic weight)

Magnesium Mg 12 24.305

Discovered by Sir Humphry Davy of England in 1808. Magnesium is the world's lightest structural metal and is used in flash bulbs. Epsom salts are composed of magnesium sulfate. Each cubic mile of sea water contains 6 million tons of magnesium--an unlimited, if not too accessible, supply.