| [[File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_16.png|thumb|400px|{{figure number|16}}Milk of Magnesia (sourced from: www.bing.com/images on 31/03/2014)]] | | [[File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_16.png|thumb|400px|{{figure number|16}}Milk of Magnesia (sourced from: www.bing.com/images on 31/03/2014)]] |
− | Milk of magnesia is a name given to magnesium hydroxide – an inorganic compound with the formula, “Mg(OH)2”. It forms a milk-like appearance when in suspension, hence the name. The solid mineral form of magnesium hydroxide is brucite [Mg(OH)2] which occurs in clay minerals especially in chlorite. Brucite occupies the interlayer position which is normally occupied by monovalent and divalent cations such as Na+, K+, Mg+ and Ca+ in chlorite. In this manner, chlorite interlayer is cemented by brucite and can neither swell nor shrink (Zumdahl, 2009). | + | Milk of magnesia is a name given to magnesium hydroxide – an inorganic compound with the formula, “Mg(OH)2”. It forms a milk-like appearance when in suspension, hence the name. The solid mineral form of magnesium hydroxide is brucite [Mg(OH)2] which occurs in clay minerals especially in chlorite. Brucite occupies the interlayer position which is normally occupied by monovalent and divalent cations such as Na+, K+, Mg+ and Ca+ in chlorite. In this manner, chlorite interlayer is cemented by brucite and can neither swell nor shrink.<ref>Zumdahl, S. S., 2009. Chemical Principles. Houghton Miffin Company, 120p.</ref> |
| Milk of magnesia is used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid. Hydroxide ions from the Mg(OH)2 combine with acidic hydroxide (H+) ions produced from hydrochloric acid by parietal cells in the stomach to produce water. It is made into capsules and chewable tablets for use against constipation and indigestion ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_16.png|Figure 16]]). | | Milk of magnesia is used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid. Hydroxide ions from the Mg(OH)2 combine with acidic hydroxide (H+) ions produced from hydrochloric acid by parietal cells in the stomach to produce water. It is made into capsules and chewable tablets for use against constipation and indigestion ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_16.png|Figure 16]]). |