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Magnesium Compounds
   Magnesium carbonate
   Magnesium chloride
   Magnesium diboride
   Magnesium hydroxide
   Magnesium oxide
   Magnesium peroxide
   Magnesium stearate
   Magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salt)
Magnesium carbonate MgCO3
Used in flooring, fireproofing, fire extinguishing compositions, cosmetics, dusting powder, and toothepaste. Other applications are as filler material, smoke suppressant in plastics, a reinforcing agent in neoprene rubber, a drying agent, and colour retention in floods. In addition, high purity magnesium carbonate is used as antacid and as an additive in table salt to keep it free flowing.
Magnesium chloride MgCl2
It is used in the manufacture of textiles, paper, fireproofing agents, cements and refrigeration brine.
Magnesium chloride is an important coagulant used in the preparation of tofu from soy milk. In Japan it is sold as nigari (the term is derived from the Japanese word for "bitter"), a white powder produced from seawater after the sodium chloride has been removed, and the water evaporated. Nigari consists mostly of magnesium chloride, with some magnesium sulfate and other trace elements.
Magnesium diboride MgB2
An inexpensive and simple superconductor that can be synthesized by high temperature reaction between boron and magnesium.
Magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2
Otherwise known as milk of magnesia, is commonly used as an antacid or a laxative. The mineral form of magnesium hydroxide is known as brucite. Magnesium hydroxide interferes with the absorption of folic acid and iron. The diarrhea caused by magnesium hydroxide carries away much of the body's supply of potassium, and failure to take extra potassium will lead to muscle cramps.
Magnesium oxide Mg(OH)2
It is used by many libraries for preserving/deacidifying books, and as an insulator in industrial cables. It is also used as a medication to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion. Medical uses of Magnesium oxide also include using it as a short-term laxative, or used to supplement a diet with magnesium. Magnesium oxide is a principle ingredient in construction materials used for fireproofing.
Magnesium peroxide MgO2
Magnesium peroxide being environmentally benign and its stable oxygen release are used widely in the cosmetic, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries. It is used to reduce contaminant levels in groundwater. Magnesium peroxide is used in the bioremediation of contaminated soil and can improve the soil quality for plant growth and metabolism. It also used in the aquaculture industry for bioremediation.
Magnesium stearate C36H70MgO4
It is often used as a filling agent in the manufacture of medical pills. In this regard, the substance is also useful because it has lubricating properties, preventing ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment during the compression of chemical powders into solid pills. It is also a common ingredient in baby powders. In pure powder form, the substance can be a dust explosion hazard, although this issue is effectively moot beyond the manufacturing plants using it.
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salt) MgSO4.7H2O
Epsom salt was originally prepared by boiling down mineral waters at Epsom, England and afterwards prepared from sea water.
In agriculture and gardening, magnesium sulfate is used to correct magnesium deficiency in soil (magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule). It is most commonly applied to potted plants, or to magnesium-hungry crops, such as potatoes, roses, and tomatoes. The advantage of magnesium sulfate over other magnesium soil amendments (such as dolomitic lime) is its high solubility.
Locally it may be used as a treatment of an ingrown nail. Oral magnesium sulfate, or magnesium oxide, is used as a laxative. Epsom salts are also available in a gel form for topical application in treating aches and pains. Intravenous use is broadening, as magnesium sulfate reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholine release at the myoneural junction, as well as other effects.