Magnesium is a fairly strong, silvery-white, light-weight metal (two thirds the density of aluminium). It tarnishes slightly when exposed to air, although unlike the alkaline metals, storage in an oxygen-free environment is unnecessary because magnesium is protected by a thin layer of oxide which is fairly impermeable and hard to remove. Magnesium is also used:

* To remove sulfur from iron and steel.
* To refine titanium in the Kroll process.
* To photoengrave plates in the printing industry.
* To combine in alloys, where this metal is essential for airplane and missile construction.
* In the form of turnings or ribbons, to prepare Grignard reagents, which are useful in organic synthesis.
* As an alloying agent, improving the mechanical, fabrication and welding characteristics of aluminium.
* As an additive agent for conventional propellants and used in producing nodular graphite in cast iron.
* As a reducing agent for the production of pure uranium and other metals from their salts.
* As a desiccant, since it easily reacts with water.