Magnesium is a soft alkaline-earth metal and one of the most common elements in the Earth's crust. Because pure magnesium is highly reactive, it exists on Earth only in chemically-combined forms such as magnesite and dolomite. Magnesium burns in air with a brilliant white light, a characteristic that is useful to manufacturers of flares and fireworks. The burning of magnesium has been a popular instructional tool for demonstrating what happens when some metallic elements react with oxygen gas. Magnesium metal and its alloys are explosive hazards; they are highly flammable in pure form, when molten or in ribbon or powder form.
Things You'll Need
Magnesium metal ribbon
Metal forceps
Protective clothing, gloves and safety goggles (preferably welding glasses)
Disposable lighter
Dry-chemical fire extinguisher
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Instructions
1
Safety goggles
Put on the protective equipment.
2
Grip a 3-4 inch piece of magnesium ribbon firmly in the forceps.
3
Ignite the lighter. Then with hands at arm length in front of you hold the free end of the magnesium ribbon in the hottest area of the flame until it catches fire. The ribbon may take several seconds to ignite; when it does immediately withdraw the lighter.
4
Gaze at the light out the corner of your eye. DO NOT look directly at the light. Let the ribbon burn out.
5
Check to be sure the ribbon is completely burned, then discard any ash. Make sure the forceps are cooled down before putting them anywhere.