Magnesium, a description of the element

Magnesium is silvery-white, flammable, and lightweight. The atomic number for magnesium is 12 and weights 24.312. Magnesium melts at 650K and boils at 1107K. Joseph Black was the first to discover magnesium in 1755 in Scotland. Sir Humphrey Davy produced it in 1808. Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element found in the earth's crust. It is also found in large deposits; such as magnesite, dolomite, and other minerals. About 65% of our human bodies are made of magnesium. It …

…used in several over-the-counter antacids. A symptom of magnesium toxicity is more likely to occur if the intake of calcium is low. A symptom is depression of the central nervous system; causing muscle weakness, fatigue, and sleepiness. Calcium-magnesium balance is important. If we increase calcium intake, we should increase magnesium intake. Since both calcium and magnesium are alkaline minerals, they are not taken with or after meals. They are best taken right before a meal.