Due to the low mechanical strength of pure magnesium, aluminum-magnesium alloy is mainly used. It is light and has a certain strength. It is an important structural material, used for aircraft fuselage, wings, engine parts, wheel frames, automobiles, and trains.
Magnesium is used as a nodularizing agent for ductile iron, a desulfurizing agent for steelmaking, and a reducing agent in metallothermic reduction (preparation of refractory metals such as titanium).
Magnesium bars and powders are used to make flashlights, flares, and fireworks.