Buying Guide: Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄)

If Magnesium Sulfate is a key part of your industrial, agricultural, or pharmaceutical operations, this guide will provide a comprehensive reference.

Let’s explore the fundamentals, properties, uses, and procurement considerations of this essential compound.

What is Magnesium Sulfate?

Magnesium Sulfate is an inorganic salt composed of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen, commonly found as a white crystalline substance. It often appears in its hydrated forms, the most popular being Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate (MgSO₄·7H₂O), commonly known as Epsom Salt.

This compound is widely used across industries for its magnesium-rich content, excellent solubility, and versatility. Whether it’s applied in agriculture as a fertilizer, in pharmaceuticals as a laxative or electrolyte replenisher, or in industry for textile and tanning processes, magnesium sulfate delivers essential benefits in multiple sectors.

How to Identify Magnesium Sulfate

Common Identifiers and Forms:

• Appearance: White crystals or crystalline powder

• CAS Number: 7487-88-9 (anhydrous), 10034-99-8 (heptahydrate)

• Molecular Formula: MgSO₄ (anhydrous), MgSO₄·7H₂O (heptahydrate)

• Molecular Weight:

  • 120.36 g/mol (anhydrous)

  • 246.47 g/mol (heptahydrate)

• EINECS No.: 231-298-2

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol

• Odor: Odorless

Chemical Properties of Magnesium Sulfate

Applications of Magnesium Sulfate

1. Agriculture

• Used as a fertilizer additive to correct magnesium or sulfur deficiencies

• Boosts chlorophyll production and enhances photosynthesis

• Commonly applied in crops like potatoes, tomatoes, citrus, and roses

• Suitable for soil application and foliar spray

2. Pharmaceuticals

• Used in oral and intravenous formulations as a magnesium supplement

• Acts as an osmotic laxative

• Used in emergency medicine for treating seizures associated with eclampsia

• Included in IV fluids to treat magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia)

3. Industrial Applications

• Used in textile processing, dyeing, and tanning

• Functions as a coagulant in rubber manufacturing

• Used in cement retardants to delay setting time

• Included in fireproofing agents and ceramic production

4. Water Treatment

• Helps in softening water by precipitating calcium

• Enhances flocculation processes

• Applied in industrial boilers for scale prevention

5. Food and Feed Industry

• Approved as a food additive (E518) for magnesium fortification

• Used in feed-grade formulations for livestock to aid metabolism and muscle function

Types & Grades of Magnesium Sulfate

Is Magnesium Sulfate a Reducing Agent?

No. Unlike some metal sulfates, magnesium sulfate is not a reducing agent. It is a neutral, non-reactive compound that contributes magnesium and sulfate ions but does not donate electrons in redox reactions.

Is Magnesium Sulfate Toxic?

Magnesium sulfate is generally regarded as safe, particularly in regulated quantities. However, excess consumption or improper handling may cause side effects or irritation.

Safety Tips:

• Use PPE (gloves, mask) during handling

• Store in sealed containers away from moisture

• Refer to MSDS for safe occupational exposure guidelines

• Do not ingest unless pharmaceutical or food-grade certified

Is Magnesium Sulfate Flammable or Explosive?

No, magnesium sulfate is non-flammable and non-explosive. However:

• Keep it dry to prevent clumping or degradation

• Avoid incompatible substances like strong acids or alkalis

Magnesium Sulfate vs Other Magnesium Salts

Purity Standards

• Agricultural Grade: 98–99.5%

• Industrial Grade: ≥98%

• Pharmaceutical Grade: ≥99.5%, USP/BP/EP compliant

• Feed Grade: Meets AAFCO/EU Feed specifications

• Certifications: ISO9001, GMP, REACH, HALAL, KOSHER (where applicable)

Price & Supplier Considerations

Factors Influencing Price:

• Hydration type (heptahydrate vs. anhydrous)

• Packaging (bulk vs. customized)

• Source (e.g., China, India, Europe)

• Grade (Industrial, Feed, Pharma)

Choosing the Right Supplier:

• Request COA, MSDS, TDS

• Check for certifications (ISO, REACH, GMP)

• Ensure proper packaging and shelf life

• Work with suppliers offering global delivery and stock support

How to Buy Magnesium Sulfate

1. Define Application

• Fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, food additives, industrial?

2. Choose the Grade

• Select based on purity, solubility, and certification needs

3. Request Documentation

• Must include COA, MSDS, Technical Data Sheet, Compliance Certificates

4. Trial Sample (Optional)

• Test compatibility with your application (e.g., water solubility, reaction profile)

5. Packaging Options

• Standard: 25kg PE-lined woven bags

• Bulk: 500kg / 1000kg jumbo bags

• Custom branding available for large orders

6. Partner with a Trusted Supplier

• Ensure strong track record, prompt response, global reach, and technical support

Conclusion

Magnesium Sulfate is an essential compound with critical uses in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and industry. Its high solubility, safety, and magnesium enrichment properties make it a trusted chemical across global markets.

To maximize results:

• Select the correct grade based on your needs

• Always handle and store it according to safety protocols

• Choose certified, reliable suppliers who can provide documentation and support