Aluminum vs. Magnesium — What's the Difference?

A silvery-white, soft, nonmagnetic metal.

Highly reactive, especially when powdered.

Aluminum is used to manufacture a wide variety of products, including windows, doors, and frames.

Magnesium is essential for many cellular functions in living organisms.

It is an element in the boron group.

Used as an alloying agent to make lightweight, strong materials.

Aluminum is recyclable, contributing to its popularity in sustainable practices.

It is the eighth-most abundant element in the Earth's crust.

It is often used in alloys to improve strength.

A shiny gray solid under standard conditions.

A silvery-white, ductile metallic element, the most abundant in the earth's crust but found only in combination, chiefly in bauxite. Having good conductive and thermal properties, it is used to form many hard, light, corrosion-resistant alloys. Atomic number 13; atomic weight 26.9815; melting point 660.32°C; boiling point 2,519°C; specific gravity 2.70; valence 3. See Periodic Table.

Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a shiny gray solid which bears a close physical resemblance to the other five elements in the second column (group 2, or alkaline earth metals) of the periodic table: all group 2 elements have the same electron configuration in the outer electron shell and a similar crystal structure.

Standard spelling of aluminium

A light, silvery-white, moderately hard metallic element that in ribbon or powder form burns with a brilliant white flame. Obtained chiefly from magnesite, dolomite, and bodies of salt water, it is used in structural alloys, pyrotechnics, flash photography, and incendiary bombs. Atomic number 12; atomic weight 24.305; melting point 650°C; boiling point 1,090°C; specific gravity 1.738 (at 20°C); valence 2. See Periodic Table.

The metallic element forming the base of alumina. This metal is white, but with a bluish tinge, and is remarkable for its resistance to oxidation, and for its lightness, having a specific gravity of about 2.6. Atomic weight 27.08. Symbol Al. Also called aluminium.

The chemical element (symbol Mg) with an atomic number of 12. It is a light, easily flammable, silvery-white alkaline earth metal.

A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite

A light silver-white metallic element of atomic number 12, malleable and ductile, quite permanent in dry air but tarnishing in moist air. It burns, forming (the oxide) magnesia, with the production of a blinding light (the so-called magnesium light) which is used in signaling, in pyrotechny, or in photography where a strong actinic illuminant is required. Its compounds occur abundantly, as in dolomite, talc, meerschaum, etc. Symbol Mg. Atomic weight, 24.305. Specific gravity, 1.75.

A light silver-white ductile bivalent metallic element; in pure form it burns with brilliant white flame; occurs naturally only in combination (as in magnesite and dolomite and carnallite and spinel and olivine)

Yes, aluminum and magnesium can be alloyed together to create materials that are lightweight and have improved mechanical properties.

Aluminum retains its properties across a broad range of temperatures. Magnesium's properties can degrade at high temperatures, which can limit its use in heat-intensive applications.

Aluminum has an atomic number of 13, whereas magnesium has an atomic number of 12.

Both metals have high specific strengths, but magnesium generally offers a higher specific strength than aluminum, making it desirable for applications where minimizing weight is crucial.

Magnesium is generally safe and essential for human health, although excessive intake can cause health issues. Aluminum exposure has been a concern in certain environments, but it is generally considered safe in everyday applications.

Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion. Magnesium is more susceptible to corrosion but can be treated with protective coatings to improve its resistance.

Aluminum has a high thermal conductivity, making it suitable for heat sinks and cooking utensils. Magnesium's thermal conductivity is lower, which can be a limiting factor in certain applications.

The prices of both metals can fluctuate due to changes in supply and demand, geopolitical factors, and production costs. Aluminum is generally less susceptible to sharp price changes than magnesium due to its higher abundance and established recycling network.

Aluminum has excellent electrical conductivity, making it ideal for electrical wiring and components. Magnesium's electrical conductivity is lower, which limits its use in electrical applications.

Magnesium has potential applications in battery technology, particularly in magnesium-ion batteries. Aluminum is commonly used in the casings of batteries and in some battery chemistries as an electrode.

Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials in the world due to its ease of recycling and the economic benefits. Magnesium recycling is less common and more complex, but it is increasing as technology improves.

Innovations in aluminum include new alloys with improved strength and flexibility. For magnesium, advances are focused on corrosion resistance and new uses in biomedical applications.

Magnesium is biocompatible and is used in medical implants that degrade naturally in the body. Aluminum's use in medical applications is limited due to concerns over toxicity and reactivity with bodily fluids.

Aluminum is primarily obtained from bauxite ore, while magnesium can be extracted from minerals such as dolomite and seawater.

Mining for both metals can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution. However, efforts are being made to reduce these impacts through better mining practices and increased recycling.