Magnesium is a chemical element with symbol Mg, atomic number 12, and in its elemental form possesses a shiny grey metallic appearance. It is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and the fourth most common element in the Earth as a whole. It can be found in minerals such as brucite, carnallite, dolomite, magnesite, olivine, and talc. It is primarily used in the creation of strong and lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloys, and flux coated welding rods.