Magnesium is a chemical element that
belongs to the group of alkaline earth metals. Magnesium is common, especially
in many minerals and in the leafy green of plants. It is a light metal that
shines solid and silvery. Magnesium shavings (and powder) are very flammable
solids that are self-heating in large quantities. Flammable gases are formed on
contact with water. These properties make magnesium shavings useful in the
manufacture of lighters and fireworks.