Why is magnesium used in pyrotechnic and explosive devices?

Magnesium is utilized in pyrotechnic and explosive devices primarily due to its high chemical reactivity with oxygen at elevated temperatures. When heated above 645 °C (1,190 °F) in dry air, the metal burns with an intense heat and a brilliant white light.1

Because of these properties, magnesium is employed in several specific ways:

• Pyrotechnics and Flares: Its ability to produce bright light and heat makes it ideal for use in pyrotechnic applications and incendiary devices.12
• Fuel Component: In the form of finely divided particles, magnesium serves as a fuel component, most notably in solid rocket propellants.2

The metal's strong reactivity also allows it to form stable compounds with elements such as chlorine and sulfur, which supports its broader utility in various metallurgical and industrial processes.1