Magnesium is an element that does not occur uncombined in nature. While it is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, it is always found combined with other elements in various forms.
Natural Occurrence of Magnesium
Magnesium's widespread presence means it's found in significant quantities across different parts of the planet. However, its reactive nature prevents it from existing as a pure metal in natural environments. It is typically found bound within chemical compounds.
Forms and Locations
Magnesium occurs primarily in two major natural environments:
- Minerals in the Earth's Crust:
- Magnesium forms large deposits within certain minerals.
- Examples of these minerals include:
- Magnesite (Magnesium carbonate, MgCO₃)
- Dolomite (Calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO₃)₂)
- Dissolved in the Sea:
- The Earth's oceans contain immense quantities of magnesium, dissolved in the saltwater.
- The sea holds trillions of tonnes of magnesium.
This widespread occurrence in combined forms highlights why magnesium is abundant yet never found freely.
Source for Production
The vast amount of magnesium dissolved in the sea makes it a primary source for current industrial production. Much of the approximately 850,000 tonnes produced annually around the world is extracted from seawater.
