How are alkaline earth metals extracted?

Answer 1

Alkaline earth metals are typically extracted through electrolysis of their molten salts or by reduction of their oxides. For example, magnesium can be extracted from magnesium chloride by electrolysis, while barium can be obtained by reducing its oxide with aluminum. These methods take advantage of the metals' high reactivity, requiring significant energy input to separate them from their compounds. Due to their reactivity, alkaline earth metals are usually found in nature combined with other elements rather than in their pure form.