The most important alloying ingredients used in magnesium alloys are aluminum, zinc, manganese, silicon, zirconium, rare-earth metals, and thorium. The specific gravity of magnesium alloys ranges from 1.74 to 1.83. It has led to a great many structural applications in the aircraft, transportation, materials-handling, and portable-tool and -equipment industries. Magnesium alloys are commonly used in the form of die castings, which account for 75% of their usage in structural applications. See also Magnesium.

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