24Mg

24Mg is a stable isotope of magnesium with mass number 24. Its nucleus contains 12 protons and 12 neutrons, an even-even configuration that gives the ground-state nuclear spin I = 0+. It is one of the three stable magnesium isotopes, the others being 25Mg and 26Mg. In nature, 24Mg is by far the most abundant isotope of magnesium, making up about 79 percent of natural magnesium.

Natural abundance and significance: Because of its high abundance, 24Mg is commonly used as a reference in isotopic studies and mass spectrometry. The isotope participates in various geochemical and astrophysical processes, and its ratios with the heavier magnesium isotopes (25Mg and 26Mg) are measured to study planetary differentiation, crustal evolution, and paleoclimate records. The mass numbers of the isotopes influence their behavior in fractionation during physical and chemical processes, enabling researchers to infer historical environmental conditions from geological and biological samples.

Occurrence and production: Magnesium occurs widely in the Earth's crust, primarily in minerals such as dolomite and magnesite, where 24Mg is the dominant isotope. In astrophysical contexts, magnesium isotopes are produced in stellar interiors during nucleosynthesis and can be transported into the interstellar medium, contributing to the chemical evolution of galaxies. The isotopic composition of magnesium in meteorites and planetary materials provides insights into solar system formation and early Solar System processes.

Applications: 24Mg is used in isotope ratio studies to calibrate measurements and to interpret isotopic fractionation processes. Mg isotope systems, including 24Mg, are applied in geochemistry, cosmochemistry, and paleoenvironmental reconstructions, complementing other isotope systems in tracing ancient temperatures and seawater chemistry.