Magnesium oxide - Magnesium(II) oxide - chemical compound

MgO 

Magnesium oxide (MgO), or magnesia, is a white hygroscopic solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and is a source of magnesium (see also oxide). It has an empirical formula of MgO and consists of a lattice of Mg2+ ions and O2− ions held together by ionic bonding. Magnesium hydroxide forms in the presence of water (MgO + H2O → Mg(OH)2), but it can be reversed by heating it to remove moisture.

Magnesium oxide was historically known as magnesia alba (literally, the white mineral from Magnesia), to differentiate it from magnesia negra, a black mineral containing what is now known as manganese.

Heating elements

MgO is prized as a refractory material, i.e. a solid that is physically and chemically stable at high temperatures. It has two useful attributes: high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity.  Filling the spiral Calrod range top heating elements on kitchen electric stoves is a major use.

Fireproofing

It is a principal fireproofing ingredient in construction materials. As a construction material, magnesium oxide wallboards have several attractive characteristics: fire resistance, termite resistance, moisture resistance, mold and mildew resistance, and strength.

Niche uses

MgO is one of the components in Portland cement in dry process plants. Magnesium oxide is used extensively in the soil and groundwater remediation, wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, air emissions treatment, and waste treatment industries for its acid buffering capacity and related effectiveness in stabilizing dissolved heavy metal species.

Medical

Magnesium oxide is used for relief of heartburn and dyspepsia, as an antacid, magnesium supplement, and as a short-term laxative. It is also used to improve symptoms of indigestion. Side effects of magnesium oxide may include nausea and cramping. In quantities sufficient to obtain a laxative effect, side effects of long-term use include enteroliths resulting in bowel obstruction.

More about Magnesium oxide in Wikipedia 

Formula: MgO

Molar mass: 40.304 g/mol
Form: White powder, odorless
CAS Number: 1309-48-4
Density: 3.6 g/cm³
Synonyms: oxomagnesium, Magnesia, Periclase, Seawater magnesia, Magnesium oxide fume, Uro-Mag, Magnesia grooves, Causmag, Granmag, Maglite, Seasorb, Animag, Magcal, Marmag, Oxymag, BayMag, Liquimag, Maglite, Anscor, Hamag, Magox, Kyowamag, Elastomag, Kyowaad, Luvatol