Magnesium chloride is an inorganic compound with the formula MgCl2. It forms hydrates MgCl2·nH2O, where n can range from 1 to 12. These salts are colorless or white solids that are highly soluble in water. These compounds and their solutions, both of which occur in nature, have a variety of practical uses. Anhydrous magnesium chloride is the principal precursor to magnesium metal, which is produced on a large scale. Hydrated magnesium chloride is the form most readily available.
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In this Dossier
Magnesium chloride in the context of Haloquadratum walsbyi
Haloquadratum walsbyi is a species of Archaea in the genus Haloquadratum, known for its square shape and halophilic nature.
First discovered in a brine pool in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, H. walsbyi is noted for its flat, square-shaped cells, and its unusual ability to survive in aqueous environments with high concentrations of sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. The species' genus name Haloquadratum translates from Greek and Latin as "salt square". This archaean is also commonly referred to as "Walsby's Square Bacterium" because of its unique square shape. In accordance with its name, H. walsbyi are most abundantly observed in salty environments.
Magnesium chloride in the context of Road salt
Road salt (also known as de-icing salt, rock salt, snow salt or grit salt) is a salt used mainly as an anti-slip agent in winter road conditions, but also to prevent dust and snow build-up on roads. Various kinds of salts are used as road salt, but calcium chloride and sodium chloride (rock salt) are among the most common. The more expensive magnesium chloride is generally considered safer, but is not as widely used because of its cost and effect on structural integrity. When used in its solid form, road salt is often pre-wet to accelerate the ice-melting process. Road salts have been having adverse effects on the environment, including decreasing biodiversity, contaminating of water sources, and increasing soil salinity.