What Color Is Magnesium?
In its elemental form, pure magnesium is silvery white in color. As a solid metal, it has the appearance of most metals. It is the same color as the aluminum foil you use in your kitchen.
However, magnesium can only be found in nature in combination with other elements. Let’s take a look at magnesium compound colors.
Dig Deeper
- Magnesium Compound Colors
- What Does Magnesium Look Like?
- Is Magnesium Shiny or Dull?
- What Color Is Magnesium When It Burns?
- References
Magnesium Compound Colors
Magnesium oxide (MgO), also known as magnesia, is white in color. It is used in some antacids. When water is added, it becomes magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), also known as milk of magnesia. [1]
Hydrated magnesium sulfate (MgSO47H2O), also known as Epsom salts, is a white crystalline solid. [2]
Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) is often referred to as “chalk” and is white in color. It is used as a hand drying agent for several sports, including gymnastics and weightlifting. [3]
(Photo: Gohnarch Creative Commons)
Magnesium fluoride (MgF2) is a white crystalline salt but is transparent across many wavelengths, making it suitable for optical applications. It is often used as an anti-reflective coating on eyeglasses. [4]
(Photo: Creative Commons)
What Does Magnesium Look Like?
Elemental magnesium is a solid metal that looks very similar to most of the metals on the periodic table. Compare the similarities of the two photos below. The top photo is elemental magnesium, while the bottom photo is elemental aluminum.
As a lightweight metal, it can be formed into sheets or wire when combined with alloys and is used in aircraft and missile construction and car engine casings. [5]
Is Magnesium Shiny or Dull?
Pure magnesium is shiny.
What Color Is Magnesium When It Burns?
Photo: Capt. John Yossarian – Creative Commons
Magnesium has a characteristic blinding brilliant white color when it burns making it perfect for use in pyrotechnics and flares. [6]
When a piece of magnesium metal is set to a flame, it will first burn a red-orange but will quickly change to a blinding white light as it reaches its full temperature.
You can view how it burns at the online website of Chemical and Engineering News. A piece called Chemistry in Pictures: Blinded by the magnesium demonstrates through photos what happens when magnesium is burned.
References
- [1] American Elements – Magnesium Oxide
- [2] American Elements – Magnesium Sulfate Hydrate
- [3] Ropp, R. C. Encyclopedia of the Alkaline Earth Compounds. Elsevier, 2013.
- [4] Chemical Book – Magnesium Fluoride
- [5][6] National Library of Medicine – PubChem – Magnesium
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