Substitutes
Magnesium metallurgy

Several materials, such as alumina, chromite, silica, sillimanite and andalusite, can replace magnesia in furnace linings.

Other light metals, such as lithium, can replace magnesium in aluminum alloys. In die-casting techniques, zinc and some special plastics can also be used in place of magnesium.

Finally, calcium carbide is a possible substitute for iron and steel desulfurization, although it is less effective than magnesium.