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MgO

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is a chemical compound composed of magnesium and oxide ions. It occurs naturally as the mineral periclase and is produced commercially by calcination of magnesium carbonate minerals such as magnesite (MgCO3) or dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2). It is a white, crystalline solid with a very high melting point and is classified as a basic oxide.

In terms of structure and properties, MgO crystallizes in the rock-salt structure. It has a melting point

Applications of MgO are broad. It is widely used as a refractory material for linings in kilns

Safety and handling are generally straightforward, but MgO dust can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs, and

of
about
2,852°C
and
a
density
of
approximately
3.58
g/cm3.
It
is
only
sparingly
soluble
in
water,
and
when
it
comes
into
contact
with
water
it
slowly
hydrates
to
magnesium
hydroxide
(Mg(OH)2).
MgO
reacts
with
acids
to
form
soluble
magnesium
salts
and,
upon
exposure
to
carbon
dioxide,
can
convert
back
to
magnesium
carbonate
(MgCO3).
and
furnaces
due
to
its
high-temperature
stability.
It
serves
as
a
cement
and
concrete
additive
and
as
a
flux
or
refractory
component
in
steelmaking.
Magnesium
oxide
is
also
used
as
a
magnesium
source
in
agriculture
and
as
a
nutraceutical
in
medicine,
where
it
functions
as
an
antacid
and
laxative
because
it
is
converted
to
Mg(OH)2
in
the
stomach.
appropriate
precautions
should
be
taken
in
industrial
settings.