Magnesium is a Block S, Group 2, Period 3 element. The number of electrons in each of Magnesium's shells is 2, 8, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Ne] 3s². In its elemental form magnesium's CAS number is 7439-95-4. The magnesium atom has a radius of 159.9.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 173.pm. Magnesium the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust. It is one third lighter than aluminum, and because of this is used in alloys that are essential for aerospace, satellite and missile construction. The metal improves the mechanical, fabrication, and welding characteristics of aluminum when used as an alloying agent. Uses also include flares and pyrotechnics due to its pyrophoric properties. Magnesium compounds, primarily magnesium oxide, are used mainly as refractory material in furnace linings for producing iron and steel, nonferrous metals, glass, and cement. High purity magnesium is found in dietary supplements. Magnesium was first discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808. The name Magnesium originates from a Greek district in Thessaly called Magnesia. See Magnesium research below.Magnesium the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust. It is one third lighter than aluminum, and because of this is used in alloys that are essential for aerospace, satellite and missile construction. The metal improves the mechanical, fabrication, and welding characteristics of aluminum when used as an alloying agent. Uses also include flares and pyrotechnics due to its pyrophoric properties.

Yttrium is a Block D, Group 3, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Yttrium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 9, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 4d¹ 5s². In its elemental form Yttrium's CAS number is 7440-65-5. The yttrium atom has a radius of 177.6.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Insoluble compounds of Yttrium are non-toxic, although water soluble compounds are somewhat toxic. Yttrium has the highest thermo-dynamic affinity for oxygen of any element. This characteristic is the basis for many of its applications. While not part of the rare earth series, it resembles the heavy rare earths which are sometimes referred to as the “yttrics” for this reason. Another unique characteristic derives from its ability to form crystals with useful properties. Yttrium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Some of the many applications of yttrium include in ceramics for crucibles for molten reactive metals, in florescent lighting phosphors, computer displays and automotive fuel consumption sensors.Yttria stabilized zirconium oxide are used in high temperature applications, such as in thermal plasma sprays to protect aerospace high temperature surfaces and as an electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells. The name Yttrium originated from a Swedish village near Vaxholm called Yttbery where Yttrium was discovered. Crystals of the yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) variety are essential to microwave communication equipment. The phosphor Eu:Y2O2S creates the red color in televisions. Crystals of the yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) variety are utilized with neodymium in a number of laser applications. Yttria can also increase the strength of metallic alloys. Yttrium was first discovered by Johann Gadolin in 1794. See Yttrium research below.