atomic number 12 - a light silver-white ductile bivalent metallic element; in pure form it burns with brilliant white flame; occurs naturally only in combination (as in magnesite and dolomite and carnallite and spinel and olivine)metal, metallic element - any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc. carnallite - a white or reddish mineral consisting of hydrous chlorides of potassium and magnesium; used as a fertilizer and as a source of potassium and magnesium dolomite - a light colored mineral consisting of calcium magnesium carbonate; a source of magnesium; used as a ceramic and as fertilizer magnesite - a black magnetic mineral consisting of magnesium carbonate; a source of magnesium olivine - a mineral consisting of magnesium iron silicate; a source of magnesium spinel - a hard glassy mineral consisting of an oxide of magnesium and aluminum; occurs in various colors that are used as gemstones |