Doesn t magnesium burn?
Many people remember watching magnesium burn bright white as part of a high school science demonstration. Molded magnesium parts do not ignite after being exposed to a flame. Compare that to the ignition times of some common plastic and nonflammable plastic. In fact, the ignition temperature of solid magnesium is over 450°C (850°F). The high school demonstration showed the impact of heat on the material form of magnesium. With the proper surface area to volume ratio, almost anything can ignite, burn or explode when exposed to the proper ignition source. Only finely divided magnesium (powder, thin ribbon) can ignite easily.
