Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate

Usage Areas, Benefits, Sectors

Learn the uses of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate in the agriculture, feed, food, textile, ceramics, chemistry, water treatment, aquarium and cosmetics sectors

What is Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate?

Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) is a magnesium salt with a white crystal structure, easily soluble in water. Also known as Epsom salt. It is used as a versatile raw material in agriculture, feed, food, textile, ceramics, chemistry, water treatment, aquarium and cosmetics sectors.

Main Areas of Use

1) Agriculture (Fertilizer and Plant Nutrition)

• Source of magnesium: Provides the magnesium necessary for the chlorophyll synthesis of plants.

• Foliar and soil application: It increases the yield and quality, especially in plants that require magnesium, such as potatoes, tomatoes and peppers.

2) Feed Industry (Animal Nutrition)

• Mineral contribution: Provides magnesium necessary for metabolism and bone development in animals.

• In premixes: Used to support ration balance.

3) Food Industry (E518)

• Additive: Identified by the code E518 in the European Union.

• Beer production: Used as boiling salt.

• Tofu production: It acts as a coagulant.

4) Textile and Leather Industry

• Finishing and dyeing: It facilitates the binding of dyestuffs to the fibres.

• Leather processing: It is included as an additive in certain tanning processes.

5) Ceramics and Glass Industry

• Melting promoter: Additive in ceramic and glass production.

6) Chemistry and Industrial Applications

• Reagent and catalyst: Takes part in various chemical syntheses.

• ASTM C88: Magnesium sulfate solution is used in aggregate durability testing; MgSO₄ generally provides the more severe test condition.

7) Water Purification and Aquarium

• Coagulant promoter: Helps precipitate pollutants in wastewater processes.

• Reef aquariums: Contributes to calcium carbonate balance and mineral stability.

8) Cosmetics and Personal Care

• Bath salt (Epsom salt): Used in spa and relaxing treatments.

• Skin care products: It is preferred as a dead skin cleanser and auxiliary ingredient.