Knowra Magnesium oxide Magnesium oxide Magnesium oxide (MgO) is an inorganic compound of magnesium and oxygen. It occurs naturally as periclase and is a refractory solid with a high melting point.
Magnesium : Magnesium is a chemical element with atomic number 12 and a common divalent ion, Mg²⁺. Magnesium supplies the positive ions in MgO’s ionic lattice.
Magnesium oxide formation : Magnesium oxide formation is the production of MgO, commonly by oxidizing magnesium or heating magnesium compounds. Burning magnesium in oxygen provides a direct route to MgO.
Refractory : A refractory is a material that withstands high temperatures without melting or losing essential strength. MgO’s high melting point makes it a major refractory raw material.
Calcium oxide : Calcium oxide, CaO, is a strongly basic oxide used in cement, metallurgy, and chemical processing. It is a closely related alkaline-earth oxide, but reacts with water more vigorously.
Magnesium oxide production : Magnesium oxide production is the manufacture of MgO by heating magnesium-bearing minerals or compounds. Industrial routes determine MgO’s purity, reactivity, and suitability for different uses.
Oxygen : Oxygen is a chemical element with atomic number 8 that commonly forms oxide ions, O²⁻. Oxygen supplies the negative ions that balance magnesium’s charge.
Magnesium hydroxide : Magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)₂, is a sparingly soluble inorganic base. MgO reacts with water to form this hydroxide, though the reaction can be slow.
Basic oxygen steelmaking : Basic oxygen steelmaking is a process that removes carbon and impurities from molten iron using oxygen. Magnesia-bearing refractories line vessels exposed to basic slags in steel production.
Aluminum oxide : Aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃, is a hard ceramic oxide used in abrasives, refractories, and electronics. It offers a contrasting refractory oxide with different bonding and chemical behavior.
Magnesite : Magnesite is the mineral magnesium carbonate, MgCO₃, and a major source of magnesium oxide. Calcining magnesite is a principal route to commercial MgO.
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