Magnesium vs. Magnesium Oxide: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 21, 2023
Magnesium is a silver-white metallic element, while magnesium oxide is a white compound formed when magnesium reacts with oxygen.
Key Differences
Magnesium is a chemical element, symbolized as Mg on the periodic table, and is a shiny gray solid under standard conditions. Magnesium oxide, on the other hand, is a chemical compound comprised of magnesium and oxygen, represented by the chemical formula MgO.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
In terms of physical properties, magnesium is a metal with good electrical conductivity, often used in alloy production. Magnesium oxide is an ionic compound, typically found as a white powder and is not conductive like its metallic counterpart.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Magnesium is highly reactive and can combust if exposed to open air, especially when powdered. Magnesium oxide, being the result of magnesium's reaction with oxygen, is already in its combusted form and does not share this reactivity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
In the human body, magnesium plays critical roles in many cellular processes and is considered an essential mineral for health. Magnesium oxide, however, is often consumed as a dietary supplement or antacid, benefiting from the magnesium content but serving different purposes than elemental magnesium.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
From a commercial perspective, magnesium finds its use in the production of fireworks, flares, and several alloys due to its lightness and strength. Magnesium oxide is utilized in refractories, as an insulator in industrial cables, and in the medical field as mentioned above.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Uses
Alloys, fireworks, flares
Dietary supplement, antacid, refractories
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
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Magnesium and Magnesium Oxide Definitions
Magnesium
A mineral that plays a vital role in muscle function and bone health.
It's recommended to have magnesium-rich foods in our diet.
Sara Rehman
Oct 13, 2023
Magnesium Oxide
The product formed when magnesium is combusted in the presence of oxygen.
When magnesium ribbon is burned in air, magnesium oxide is produced.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Magnesium
A metal that burns with a bright white flame when ignited.
Magnesium strips are used in science labs to demonstrate combustion reactions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Magnesium Oxide
A material used as an insulator in industrial cabling and in refractories.
Because of its insulating properties, magnesium oxide is used in some types of industrial heating elements.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Magnesium
A light, silver-white, ductile, and malleable metallic element.
Due to its lightness, magnesium is often used in alloying aluminum.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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Magnesium Oxide
A substance commonly used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid.
People sometimes take magnesium oxide tablets for indigestion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Magnesium
A chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12.
Magnesium is essential for various biochemical reactions in the body.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Magnesium Oxide
A white powdery compound with the chemical formula MgO.
Magnesium oxide is often used as a filler in some bricks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Magnesium
An essential element used in the production of a variety of commercial products.
Because of its properties, magnesium is used in the manufacturing of laptops and
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Magnesium Oxide
An ionic compound resulting from the combination of magnesium and oxygen.
Magnesium oxide has a high melting point due to its ionic bonds.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Magnesium
A light, silvery-white, moderately hard metallic element that in ribbon or powder form burns with a brilliant white flame. Obtained chiefly from magnesite, dolomite, and bodies of salt water, it is used in structural alloys, pyrotechnics, flash photography, and incendiary bombs. Atomic number 12; atomic weight 24.305; melting point 650°C; boiling point 1,090°C; specific gravity 1.738 (at 20°C); valence 2. See Periodic Table.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Magnesium
The chemical element (symbol Mg) with an atomic number of 12. It is a light, easily flammable, silvery-white alkaline earth metal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Magnesium
A light silver-white metallic element of atomic number 12, malleable and ductile, quite permanent in dry air but tarnishing in moist air. It burns, forming (the oxide) magnesia, with the production of a blinding light (the so-called magnesium light) which is used in signaling, in pyrotechny, or in photography where a strong actinic illuminant is required. Its compounds occur abundantly, as in dolomite, talc, meerschaum, etc. Symbol Mg. Atomic weight, 24.305. Specific gravity, 1.75.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Magnesium
A light silver-white ductile bivalent metallic element; in pure form it burns with brilliant white flame; occurs naturally only in combination (as in magnesite and dolomite and carnallite and spinel and olivine)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
Is magnesium essential for the human body?
Yes, magnesium is crucial for many cellular processes and overall health.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Can magnesium easily burn?
Yes, magnesium can ignite and burn with a bright white flame when exposed to a flame.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
For what medical purposes is magnesium oxide used?
Magnesium oxide is often used as a dietary supplement and antacid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
What is magnesium's place on the periodic table?
Magnesium has the atomic number 12 and is symbolized as Mg.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Are magnesium and magnesium oxide found naturally?
Magnesium is found in the earth's crust and in seawater. Magnesium oxide can form naturally when magnesium-rich rocks oxidize.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Is magnesium oxide an elemental metal?
No, magnesium oxide is a compound made of magnesium and oxygen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Can magnesium oxide be formed in any reaction involving magnesium?
Magnesium oxide is primarily formed when magnesium reacts with oxygen, especially during combustion.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
What color is magnesium oxide?
Magnesium oxide is a white powder or crystalline solid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Why is magnesium used in fireworks?
Magnesium burns with a bright white flame, making it ideal for fireworks.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Which is heavier, magnesium or magnesium oxide?
Magnesium oxide is heavier because it includes the weight of both magnesium and oxygen.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Are there any dietary sources rich in magnesium?
Yes, foods like spinach, nuts, and whole grains are rich in magnesium.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
How is magnesium oxide produced industrially?
It's often produced by calcining magnesite or by treating magnesium chloride with lime.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Is magnesium oxide safe to consume?
Yes, in appropriate amounts, magnesium oxide is consumed as a supplement.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
How does magnesium react with water?
Magnesium reacts with water to produce magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Is magnesium oxide soluble in water?
Magnesium oxide is sparingly soluble in water.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
What role does magnesium play in photosynthesis?
Magnesium is a central atom in the chlorophyll molecule, which is vital for photosynthesis.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
What are the primary industrial uses of magnesium oxide?
Magnesium oxide is used in refractories, as an insulator in cables, and in various chemical processes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Can magnesium oxide be used to treat heartburn?
Yes, magnesium oxide can neutralize stomach acid and is often used as an antacid.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Can magnesium oxide be used in agriculture?
Yes, magnesium oxide is sometimes used to correct magnesium-deficient soils.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
