How Did Magnesium Get Its Name?

The name magnesium developed from the Greek word Magnesia. This word is basically the name of a district that was situated in Thessaly. It was recognized as an element only in the year 1755, by Joseph Black in Scotland. It is considered as one of the eight most important elements that are found on the earth's surface. It is generally found in deposits like magnesite, dolomite, and other minerals.

The story of magnesium sulphate seems to very interesting. It is said that once a farmer tried giving water from a well to his cow, which in turn refused to drink the well water, since it gave out a very bitter taste. Later most of the farmers around noticed that the water began to get some kind of rashes as well scratches due to the water. It was then that magnesium sulphate came to be recognized.