magnéziumoxidot

Magnesium oxide, also known as magnesia, is a mineral compound with the chemical formula MgO. It is a white, hygroscopic solid that is insoluble in water. Magnesium oxide occurs naturally in the form of the mineral periclase, which is a constituent of the rock dunite.

Magnesium oxide is produced industrially by calcining magnesium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. The temperature of calcination determines the reactivity of the resulting magnesium oxide. Light-burned magnesia, produced at lower temperatures, is more reactive and is used in agriculture as a fertilizer and in animal feed. Dead-burned magnesia, produced at higher temperatures, is less reactive and is used in refractories due to its high melting point. Fused magnesia, produced at even higher temperatures, is the purest and most refractory form.

Magnesium oxide has a wide range of applications. In industry, it is used in the production of cement, steel, and glass. It is also employed as a desiccant, a filler in plastics and rubber, and a flame retardant. In medicine, magnesium oxide is used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and as a laxative. It is also a dietary supplement used to treat magnesium deficiency. In environmental applications, it is used for flue gas desulfurization and wastewater treatment.