Magnesium oxide
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- Industrial Applications: It is widely used in various industrial processes, such as in the production of ceramics, refractory materials, and in the manufacture of magnesium salts.
- Medical: Magnesium oxide is used as an antacid and a mineral supplement to treat magnesium deficiency.
- Environmental: It can be used in environmental applications for flue gas desulfurization (removal of sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases).
- Health and Safety: While magnesium oxide is generally considered safe, excessive consumption can lead to magnesium toxicity, causing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Natural Occurrence: Magnesium oxide occurs naturally as the mineral periclase, which is found in metamorphic rocks.
