Why Was The 12th Element Named Magnesium?
The 12th element of the period table is Magnesium and this is because the atomic number of magnesium is 12. The name magnesium was given to this element because of some reasons which are linked with the history of magnesium. In 1700, “magnesia alba” (magnesium carbonate) was commercialized in Rome. In 1755, magnesia was distinguished from lime by J.Black. In 1808, this metal was isolated and it was named “magnium” by Sir Humphrey Davy. In order to remove the confusion, magnesia alba was named magnesium. Therefore, because of the atomic number of 12, the element was given 12th place in the periodic table and it was named magnesium.
