magnez

Magnez is the Polish name for the chemical element magnesium (symbol Mg, atomic number 12). Magnesium is a light, silvery-white alkaline earth metal that forms a thin oxide protective layer in air. It is highly reactive, especially at high temperatures, and burns with a bright white flame when ignited.

Natural sources include the minerals magnesite (MgCO3) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), as well as seawater and various rocks. Commercial production relies on two main routes: electrolysis of magnesium chloride obtained from seawater or brines, and the silicothermic Pidgeon process in which magnesium oxide is reduced with silicon.

Magnesium is widely used in alloys to produce lightweight materials for aerospace, automotive, electronics, and portable devices. Common alloys include magnesium-aluminum and magnesium-lithium systems. It is also used in refractories, as a reducing agent in chemistry, and in fireworks and flares. In medicine and nutrition, magnesium compounds and elemental magnesium are used as dietary supplements and antacids.

Biologically, magnesium is essential for life. It participates in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, stabilizes ATP, and supports nerve and muscle function, including heart rhythm. The recommended daily intake for adults is roughly 300–400 mg, varying by age and sex; deficiencies can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and cardiovascular symptoms.

Humphry Davy first isolated magnesium in 1808 by electrolyzing fused magnesia. The element derives its name from Magnesia, a region in Thessaly, Greece.