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Magnesium is an essential mineral with a wide range of health benefits, including healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels. It is naturally found in many foods, such as green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. In Australia, the main dietary sources of magnesium are cereals and non-alcoholic beverages like coffee and water. Aside from its presence in food, magnesium also exists in nature as a lightweight metal alloy with various industrial applications. Australia is home to several magnesite deposits, which are found in Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main sources of magnesium in Australia | Cereals and non-alcoholic drinks like coffee and water |
| Common food sources of magnesium | Green vegetables, legumes, peas, beans, nuts, shellfish, spices, and wholegrains |
| Magnesium deposits in Australia | Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland |
| Process of creating magnesium metal | Silicothermic process, Australian Magnesium Process, carbothermal reduction process |
| Uses of magnesium | Diecast alloy materials, automotive casing and components, electronic technology casing, aerospace and space exploration, medical applications, household items |
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What You'll Learn
- Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust
- It is found in foods like green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and shellfish
- It is also present in tap, mineral, and bottled water
- Magnesium deposits are found in Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia
- It is used in alloys, medical applications, and technology
Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust
In Australia, magnesium is found in the form of cryptocrystalline magnesite in the Kunwarara deposit, 60 km northwest of Rockhampton in Queensland. This deposit covers an area of about 63 square km and is entirely overlain by black clay up to 12 metres thick. Similar magnesite deposits occur at Yaamba and Triple Four, also in the Rockhampton area, and at Gunnawarra, southwest of Cairns. In Tasmania, fine-grained, massive magnesite occurs at Arthur River and in the Lyons River area 50 km southwest of Burnie. In South Australia, beds of magnesite can be found at Witchelina, 80 km northwest of Leigh Creek, Copley, and Myrtle Springs. Western Australia is also home to magnesite deposits, with hard magnesite nodules found 30 km east of Ravensthorpe and in the Kalgoorlie region.
Magnesium is produced through various processes, including the silicothermic process, which involves mixing calcined dolomite or magnesite with ferrosilicon to produce magnesium vapour. The Australian Magnesium Process, developed in Australia, involves dissolving pure magnesite ore in hydrochloric acid to produce magnesium chloride. The carbothermal reduction process is a newer, simpler, and more energy-efficient method of producing magnesium metal.
Magnesium is essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels. It is found in many foods, with the main sources in Australia being cereals and non-alcoholic drinks like coffee and water.
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It is found in foods like green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and shellfish
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels. It can be found in many foods, including green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and shellfish.
Green vegetables are a good source of magnesium, with spinach being a particularly good option. Legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils, are also a great way to get your daily dose of magnesium. Nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts, are another excellent source of magnesium and offer additional health benefits, such as protein and dietary fibre. Shellfish, including mussels, oysters, and clams, are also a source of magnesium, in addition to being a good source of lean protein.
In Australia, it is reported that more than 1 in 3 people don't get enough magnesium in their diet. This can lead to a higher risk of health problems such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It is important to ensure a sufficient intake of magnesium through a balanced diet that includes a variety of magnesium-rich foods.
While it is recommended to obtain magnesium from natural food sources, magnesium supplements are also available for those who may have a deficiency or certain health problems. However, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they can interfere with other medications.
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It is also present in tap, mineral, and bottled water
Magnesium is an essential mineral for maintaining healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels. It is naturally present in many foods and drinks, including tap, mineral, and bottled water.
In Australia, the mineral content of tap water varies across different cities. A study conducted in 10 metropolitan and regional Australian centres, including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, found that the median or mean magnesium composition in tap water ranged from 1.1 to 11.2 mg/L. The mineral content of tap water is influenced by various factors, including the source of water and treatment processes.
Comparatively, bottled water in Australia tends to have higher magnesium levels than tap water. Bottled sparkling water, in particular, has been found to contain higher levels of magnesium than both tap and bottled still water. The brand and source of the bottled water can also impact its magnesium content, with some brands potentially providing a more significant proportion of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium.
While tap water in Australia generally contains lower levels of magnesium than bottled water, it is still a source of this essential mineral. For individuals with magnesium deficiencies or specific health concerns, consulting a doctor or healthcare professional is advisable to determine if a magnesium supplement or a particular type of water is recommended to meet their daily magnesium requirements.
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Magnesium deposits are found in Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia
In South Australia, beds of magnesite ranging from 5 centimetres to 9 metres in thickness occur at Witchelina, 80 km northwest of Leigh Creek, as well as Copley and Myrtle Springs. Magnesite deposits can also be found at Balcanoona and near Robertstown.
In Western Australia, hard magnesite nodules in dark clayey material crop out 30 km east of Ravensthorpe. Magnesite is also present in the Kalgoorlie region.
Additionally, there are magnesite deposits in other parts of Australia, such as Queensland, where low iron nodules of cryptocrystalline magnesite can be found at the Kunwarara deposit, 60 km northwest of Rockhampton. Similar magnesite deposits are also located at Yaamba and Triple Four in the Rockhampton area, as well as near Gunnawarra southwest of Cairns and in southern Queensland near Kilkivan and Upper Widgee.
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It is used in alloys, medical applications, and technology
Magnesium is a mineral with a wide range of applications across various industries, including alloys, medical applications, and technology.
In terms of alloys, magnesium is often combined with other metals such as aluminium, zirconium, and uranium to form magnesium alloys. These alloys are known for their low density, high strength, and excellent thermal conductivity. They are commonly used in aerospace and automotive industries due to their lightweight and sturdy nature. For example, magnesium alloys are used in bicycle frames to create a strong yet lightweight frame, enhancing the performance of cyclists.
In medical applications, magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy muscles, nerves, and bones. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Most people in Australia get their required magnesium intake from food sources, such as cereals, coffee, and water. However, in cases of deficiency, doctors may recommend magnesium supplements.
Magnesium is also widely used in technology, particularly in electronics. Its lightweight yet strong nature, along with its superior thermal conductivity compared to plastic, makes it an ideal material for laptops, TVs, LCDs, and PC casings. Magnesium alloys are also used in sporting technology to reduce weight and improve performance. Additionally, Magnium Australia, a company based in Australia, is utilising a first-of-its-kind technology to produce zero-carbon magnesium metal ingots using renewable energy, contributing to the country's sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels.
Magnesium is found in abundance in regional Australia. In Tasmania, fine-grained, massive magnesite occurs at Arthur River and in the Lyons River area. In South Australia, beds of magnesite occur at Witchelina, Copley, and Myrtle Springs. Western Australia is also home to hard magnesite nodules.
Magnesium is widely distributed in the food supply in both plant and animal foods. Most green vegetables, legumes, peas, beans, nuts, and shellfish are rich in magnesium. Most unrefined cereals are also a reasonable source.
Magnesium has several common uses. It is used in diecast alloy materials, automotive and electronic technology casing, aerospace and space exploration, medical applications such as implants and internal braces, and household items such as bicycles, power tools, and stepladders.
You can test your magnesium levels by measuring the amount of magnesium in your blood. However, serum magnesium may not be a reliable indicator of body magnesium status.
