1. Introduction
Magnesium as a metal or chemical is an essential material in many industries. In powdered form, magnesium becomes more reactive and finds usage in various chemical, metallurgical, pyrotechnic, and specialty industries. India has a number of magnesium producers, among them Pentaphos Industries Pvt. Ltd., which offers magnesium powders (coated/uncoated, various particle sizes) for industrial customers. Their website (pentaphos.com) states that they produce magnesium powder in sizes from 2 mm down to 0.1 mm.
This article explores the full landscape around magnesium powder in India (with Pentaphos as a reference), including cost, trends, benefits, risks, and more.
2. What Is Magnesium Powder?
Magnesium powder is a finely divided metallic form of magnesium (Mg). Because of its fine particle size, the surface area increases dramatically, making it more reactive than bulk magnesium. It is often used in chemical reactions, as a reducing agent, in alloying, in pyrotechnics, and in metallurgy.
Key points:
- The powder can be coated (passivated) or uncoated. Coated powders have a thin protective oxide or inert layer to reduce spontaneous oxidation or ignition risks.
- Particle size is a major parameter: typical size ranges from 2 mm to as low as 0.1 mm (or even finer).
- Purity is also crucial. Pentaphos claims their magnesium powder is “high purity (99.9%)” in their features list.
- Because magnesium is relatively light (density ≈ 1.74 g/cm³), magnesium powder is used where both light weight and reactivity are needed.
3. Types / Grades of Magnesium Powder
Magnesium powders are often categorized by:
- Coated vs. Uncoated: Coated powders are less reactive, safer to handle, and more stable; uncoated are more reactive and used when strong reactivity is needed.
- Particle size / mesh size: larger particles are less reactive but safer, smaller ones are more reactive.
- Purity grades: industrial grade, chemical grade, high-purity (≥ 99.9 %), specialty grades for aerospace or electronics.
- Agglomeration / morphology: spherical vs. flake vs. irregular particles.
Different end-uses demand different grades. For example:
- In metallurgy, coarser and stable powders may be used as alloying agents or in desulfurization.
- In pyrotechnics, fine uncoated high surface area powders are favored.
- In specialty chemical reactions (Grignard reagents etc.), high purity and controlled surface chemistry is essential.
Pentaphos offers both coated and uncoated magnesium powders according to their website.
4. Pentaphos Industries: Overview & Product Line
Company Profile
- Pentaphos Industries Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian manufacturer specializing in magnesium reagents, including magnesium powder, turnings, granules, ingots, and graphite powder.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, with operations / facility in GIDC, Jhagadia, Gujarat.
- Founded in ~2007.
- Their advertised sales: magnesium powder is priced at ₹300 per kg (with Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) 100 kg) with purity 99%.
Product Line & Specifications
From their website and product pages:
- They supply magnesium powder (coated and uncoated grades) for different industries.
- Particle size range: from 2 mm down to 0.1 mm.
- Purity: they advertise “high purity” material (though do not always specify exact numbers in all listings).
- Their products are used for:
- Chemical reactions
- Pyrotechnics
- Alloy production
- Steel desulfurization
- Corrosion prevention in pipelines / ship hulls
- Other specialty uses
They also manufacture turnings, granules, ingots, graphite powder.
Thus, Pentaphos is a full-range magnesium products supplier in India.
5. Manufacturing Process
Producing magnesium powder typically involves several stages:
- Raw Material / Source
- The feedstock is usually metallic magnesium (e.g. ingots, scrap, turnings) or magnesium compounds.
- Alternatively, magnesium oxide or other precursors might be reduced (depending on process).
- Melting / Reduction / Refining
- If starting from raw materials, magnesium is refined and purified.
- Atomization / Milling / Grinding / Pulverization
- The bulk metal is milled or mechanically ground into fine pieces or powder.
- Alternatively, atomization or gas / water atomization can yield fine particles.
- Classifying / Sieving / Grading
- Particles are screened or classified to desired size ranges (e.g. 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm, etc.).
- Coating / Passivation (optional)
- To reduce reactivity and improve storage stability, powders may be lightly coated with oxide films or inert substances.
- Quality Testing / Purity Analysis
- Chemical purity (e.g. %Mg, presence of impurities such as Fe, Si, Al, O, etc.).
- Particle size distribution, moisture content, etc.
- Packaging & Storage
- Packaged in moisture-proof containers, considering safety (avoid ignition risk).
- Storage under inert atmosphere or tightly sealed.
Pentaphos is likely following a similar route; their emphasis on “in-house manufacturing for safety and efficiency” suggests they control the full process chain.
Additional factors influencing cost: energy (electricity, fuel), equipment amortization, labor, quality control, and packaging.
6. Physical & Chemical Properties
Some of the important traits of magnesium powder include:
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 12 |
| Atomic weight | ~24.305 g/mol |
| Density of magnesium metal | ~1.74 g/cm³ (bulk) |
| Melting point | ~650 °C |
| Boiling point | ~1,091 °C |
| Reactivity | Highly reactive, especially in fine powdered form |
| Oxidation behavior | Magnesium oxidizes in air, especially at higher temperature or in presence of moisture |
| Flammability | Fine magnesium powder is combustible / flammable under appropriate conditions |
| Purity | Typically >99% is desired for high-end use |
| Particle size | Range from coarse to ultra-fine (e.g. 0.1 mm or even less) |
Because of its reactivity, magnesium powder is used as a reducing agent, in pyrotechnics (bright white flame), in chemical synthesis (e.g. Grignard reagents) etc.
7. Applications & Industrial Uses
Magnesium powder has a broad array of applications across industries. Below are some of the major uses:
7.1 Pyrotechnics & Explosives
- Magnesium powder burns with a bright white light and high heat; commonly used in fireworks, flares, flash powder, incendiaries, and pyrotechnic compositions.
- Its high energy release per mass makes it suitable in these energy-dense applications.
7.2 Metallurgy & Alloying
- As a reducing agent in metal extraction or refining.
- For producing magnesium-based alloys (Mg-Al, Mg-Cu, Mg-Zn), where powder can be incorporated.
- In steelmaking, magnesium is used for desulfurization of molten steel, where fine powders help react sulfur out.
7.3 Chemical / Specialty Reactions
- In organic chemistry, magnesium powder is used for Grignard reagent formation (e.g. Mg + R–X → R–Mg–X).
- As sacrificial anodes in corrosion protection.
- As a reagent in some specialty processes.
7.4 Corrosion Protection & Cathodic Protection
- For pipelines, ship bottoms etc., magnesium anodes are used to protect metal surfaces; in particulate / powder form, coatings or composites may use magnesium powder.
7.5 Additive & Composite Materials
- In composite materials where metallic magnesium is embedded in polymer or ceramic matrices to impart specific mechanical, thermal, or electrical properties.
7.6 Other Niche / Emerging Uses
- Research in biodegradable implants / biomedical scaffolds (magnesium is biocompatible and can degrade in the body).
- Lightweight structural materials in aerospace / transport sectors.
- Reactive fillers in specialty energetic devices.
Pentaphos mentions applications such as chemical reactions, pyrotechnics, alloy production, steel manufacturing, corrosion prevention in pipelines / ships.
8. Market & Pricing Trends in India & Globally
Global Overview & Price Trends
- According to IMARC’s “Magnesium Powder Price Trend, Chart, Forecast (2025)” report, magnesium powder in the U.S. is priced around USD 380/MT (metric ton).
- In China, price is about USD 250/MT (for certain grades) as per that same report.
- Regional differences, export/import terms (FOB, CIF), supply chain constraints, raw material costs, regulations, and demand from downstream industries (steel, chemical, feed) all drive price volatility.
- ChemAnalyst reports that in June 2025, the Magnesium Oxide spot price in the U.S. (CFR Texas) rose ~12.12% to ~$370/MT.
- In the Asia-Pacific region, feed-grade magnesium oxide (FOB Qingdao) saw a jump of ~19.05% to USD 250/MT in June 2025.
Thus, the global magnesium powder market is dynamic, responsive to fluctuations in raw material supply, energy costs, and demand from key consuming sectors.
Indian Context & Domestic Price
- Pentaphos lists their magnesium powder price as ₹300 per kg (i.e. ~₹ 300,000 per metric ton). With purity ~99%, MOQ 100 kg.
- Converting ₹300/kg to USD (assuming ~₹82/USD) gives ~USD 3.66 per kg → USD 3,660/MT. (This is significantly higher than the global benchmark values quoted above, which suggests either this listing is for a highly specialized / small-batch / domestic grade, or reflects packaging, quality, or local premium margins.)
- It’s important to note that listings on trade directories may reflect small-scale sales, not bulk industrial pricing.
- India also imports magnesium powders or magnesium oxide from China, especially for high purity or specialized grades, due to cost or technology constraints. (Some Indian manufacturers struggle to match highest purity output)
- The Indian magnesium oxide / magnesium powder market is influenced by availability of magnesite, energy costs, import duties, logistics, and regulation.
Given the disparity in global vs. domestic listing, careful inquiry is essential when dealing with Indian suppliers, verifying quality, bulk pricing, shipping, tax, etc.
9. Price Chart / Forecasts
Below is a hypothetical / illustrative price chart and forecast for magnesium powder (industrial grades) based on global trends, adapted for Indian market context.
Note: These figures are indicative, not guaranteed. Always request real quotes.
| Year / Quarter | Global Price (USD/MT) | Indicative Indian Domestic Price (₹/kg) | Key Drivers / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2023 | 320 | 250 | Stabilizing post-pandemic demand |
| Q3 2023 | 446 (U.S.) | 280 | Upward demand, raw cost inflation |
| Q1 2024 | 360 | 260 | Supply constraints ease |
| Q3 2024 | 400 | 290 | Renewed demand from steel & chemicals |
| Q1 2025 | ~380 | 300 | Strong downstream pull |
| Q3 2025 (projected) | ~420 | 320 | Tight inventories, energy costs |
From IMARC, global magnesium powder market is expected to grow at a CAGR ~5.5% over 2025–2033.
ChemAnalyst’s quarterly data suggests that magnesium oxide (as representative) will maintain price strength into Q3 as feed demand remains firm.
Hence, in India, similar upward pressure may persist, adjusted by local supply, import duty, and logistics.
If one wanted to draw a chart, one could plot Global USD/MT on left axis and Indian ₹/kg on right axis over time (Q1/2023 → Q3/2025), showing general upward trend with fluctuations.
10. Pros & Cons of Magnesium Powder Usage
Advantages (Pros)
- High Reactivity / Surface Area
- Fine powders enable more efficient reactions (e.g. in chemical synthesis or pyrotechnics).
- Lightweight Material
- Use in lightweight alloys or composite materials is beneficial for aerospace or transport.
- Versatility
- Across multiple industries: metallurgy, chemical, pyrotechnics, corrosion protection, composites.
- High Purity Options
- When produced well, purity ≥ 99.9% is possible, enabling high-end applications.
- Catalytic / Reducing Agent
- Useful in reduction reactions and specialty chemical routes.
- Market Demand & Growth
- Demand from steel, chemical, feed additive, specialty sectors grows, giving stable market prospects.
- Local Production (e.g. Pentaphos)
- Reduces import dependency; provides shorter lead times for Indian customers.
Disadvantages / Challenges (Cons)
- Safety / Flammability Risk
- Fine magnesium powder is combustible / flammable. Requires careful handling to avoid ignition.
- Oxidation / Degradation
- Over time, surface oxidation degrades usability unless coated or stored properly.
- High Cost for High Purity
- Achieving ultra-high purity adds cost; small suppliers may have high markups.
- Price Volatility
- Subject to raw material, energy, transport cost fluctuations and demand swings.
- Regulation / Handling Restrictions
- Shipping, storage, import-export of reactive powders is regulated (hazardous goods rules).
- Quality Control Complexity
- Ensuring uniform particle size, purity, absence of contaminants demands sophisticated QC.
- Limited Domestic Alternatives
- In India, only a few capable producers; for specialized grades, imports may still be needed.
- Bulk Volume / MOQ Constraints
- For small consumers, meeting large MOQs may be challenging.
Overall, while magnesium powder offers strong benefits, the constraints and risk factors (especially safety and cost) need mitigation.
11. Handling, Safety, Storage
Because magnesium powder is reactive and potentially hazardous, one must follow strict safety protocols.
Safety Hazards
- Fire hazard: fine magnesium dust can ignite spontaneously under certain conditions (spark, heat, friction).
- Explosion / dust explosion risk in enclosed atmospheres.
- Reacts with water / moisture to produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable.
- Inhalation hazard: dust can irritate respiratory tract.
- Reactivity with strong acids, halogens, etc.
Handling Guidelines
- Use inert / non-sparking tools (brass / bronze / plastic) to avoid sparks.
- Proper Ventilation & Dust Control — avoid accumulation of dust clouds.
- Grounding & Bonding — to avoid static discharge.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — gloves, goggles, dust mask / respirator.
- Avoid moisture / water contact.
- Keep fire extinguishing media ready — class D fire extinguishers (e.g. graphite, dry powder metal extinguishers).
- No open flames or hot surfaces nearby.
Storage
- Store in sealed, moisture-proof containers (e.g. airtight drums, vacuum packs).
- Preferably under inert atmosphere (e.g. nitrogen) for highly reactive grades.
- Store away from oxidizers, acids, halogens, or incompatible materials.
- Maintain a cool, dry, stable environment.
- Label properly with hazard information.
Disposal
- Small leftover amounts should be quenched carefully or consumed in safe reaction (never dump in water).
- Follow local hazardous waste disposal regulations.
Companies like Pentaphos likely practice safe handling and packaging, but buyers must ensure that their downstream processes also align with safety norms.
12. Purchasing, Packaging, MOQ
Packaging
- Pentaphos references packaging options of 100–200 kg for magnesium powder.
- Typically, industrial suppliers use lined drums, fiber drums, or sealed plastic / metal containers with moisture barrier.
- For very fine or reactive grades, inner bags may be vacuum- or inert-gas sealed.
MOQ & Lead Time
- The trade listing for Pentaphos indicates MOQ = 100 kg for magnesium powder.
- Lead times depend on their manufacturing capacity, stock, location, certification, and shipping logistics.
Quality Documentation & Certification
Buyers should request:
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) / Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — purity, elemental impurities, moisture, sizing distribution
- Batch traceability
- Test reports (XRF, ICP, etc.)
- Shipping / packaging compliance documents
Shipment & Logistics
- Because magnesium powder is a hazardous material, shipping via road, rail, sea or air must comply with local and international regulations (e.g. DG rules in India, UN hazard classes).
- Import customers must be aware of customs, import duties, handling charges.
13. Regulatory, Quality, Purity Considerations
Regulatory / Safety Standards
- In India, handling and transport of reactive powders may come under hazardous goods rule, Explosives Act, or relevant local fire & safety codes.
- Suppliers and users should be compliant with national safety standards, environmental regulations, and export/import controls.
Purity & Impurity Control
- High-end applications (electronics, specialty chemicals) often require ultra-high purity (e.g. 99.9% or higher) with stringent limits on Fe, Si, Al, O, C, etc.
- Impurities can drastically affect behavior (e.g. increased oxidation, interference in chemical reactions).
- Surface oxide content, moisture, bound water, etc., matter.
Quality Assurance
- Regular sampling and testing (ICP-OES, XRF, SEM for particle morphology, BET for surface area).
- Strict control of production parameters, environment (humidity, contamination).
- Certificate of compliance, batch records, and audits.
Customer & Use-Case Matching
- A buyer must select the correct grade (coated vs uncoated, size, purity) to match their process; overpaying for ultra-high purity when not necessary can be uneconomical.
- Some grades may require special permissions or handling.
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are common questions and answers about magnesium powder in India / Pentaphos.
Q1. What is the current price of magnesium powder from Pentaphos?
A1. As per the trade listing, Pentaphos offers magnesium powder at ₹300 per kg (MOQ 100 kg, purity ~99%) as of latest published data.
However, this is indicative; bulk/industrial pricing (larger tons) could be different. Always request a formal quotation.
Q2. What particle sizes are available?
A2. Pentaphos offers magnesium powder in particle size ranges from 2.0 mm to 0.1 mm.
Q3. What purity is offered?
A3. The company claims “high purity (99.9%)” in their product features.
In listings they also mention “purity 99%”.
The exact certified purity should be verified via CoA.
Q4. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A4. The listing shows an MOQ of 100 kg for magnesium powder.
Q5. What are main applications of magnesium powder?
A5. As described above, uses include pyrotechnics, alloying, chemical reagents (e.g. Grignards), desulfurization in steel, corrosion protection, and specialty composites.
Q6. What are the hazards of using magnesium powder?
A6. Fire / explosion risk, oxidation, reaction with water, dust inhalation, etc. Requires careful handling, PPE, proper storage.
Q7. How to store magnesium powder safely?
A7. Use sealed, dry, moisture-proof containers; avoid moisture; store in inert or controlled atmosphere for reactive grades; keep away from incompatible materials; label clearly.
Q8. How does Indian price compare with global price?
A8. Global benchmark magnesium powder pricing is much lower (USD 250–400/MT for many grades) according to sources like IMARC and ChemAnalyst.)
Pentaphos’s ₹300/kg translates to ~USD 3,660/MT, which suggests a high premium or small scale / value-added grade. Buyers must evaluate whether quoted costs align with market.
Q9. How to import magnesium powder?
A9. Contact the supplier for FOB/CIF pricing, check import permits, hazardous good regulations, labeling, customs duty, logistics, safety documents (MSDS, CoA), and ensure that the supplier can provide necessary documentation.
Q10. What is the shelf life of magnesium powder?
A10. While magnesium metal itself is stable, powdered magnesium may slowly oxidize over time. Under proper sealed, dry conditions, shelf life can be extended. For critical applications, periodic quality checks or reactivation may be needed.
Q11. Can magnesium powder be used as a dietary supplement?
A11. No — the magnesium powder from Pentaphos is a metallic/industrial form, not suitable for ingestion. Dietary magnesium supplements use magnesium salts or compounds (e.g. magnesium oxide, citrate, glycinate), not metallic powder. Also, ingesting metallic magnesium poses significant safety risks.
Q12. How to choose between coated vs. uncoated powder?
A12. If safety and storage stability are primary concerns (e.g. transport, shelf life), use coated powders. If maximum reactivity is needed (e.g. in pyrotechnics or chemical reactions), uncoated powder is preferred. However, handling risk increases.
Q13. What tests should a buyer request?
A13. Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for purity and impurities, ICP / XRF data, particle size distribution, moisture content, surface oxide, morphological images (SEM), and stability tests.
Q14. How do global supply and demand affect Indian pricing?
A14. India’s domestic demand (steel, chemical, specialty sectors), the availability of feedstock (magnesite / magnesium metal), international imports, exchange rate, shipping costs, and regulatory import duties all influence Indian prices. Tight global supply or rising raw material costs often reflect into domestic price increases.
15. Conclusion & Recommendations
To summarize:
- Magnesium powder is a highly versatile, reactive material used in a wide range of industrial and chemical processes.
- Pentaphos Industries is a noteworthy Indian supplier, offering coated/uncoated powders in sizes from 2 mm to 0.1 mm, claiming high purity, and listing ₹300/kg as a trade price with MOQ 100 kg.
- The manufacturing, quality, safety, and regulatory aspects are all critical when dealing with magnesium powder; users must be vigilant in sourcing, handling and documentation.
- The global pricing trends (USD 250–400/MT) suggest that small domestic listings might carry high margins or additional value; thus, verifying bulk pricing and obtaining multiple quotes is prudent.
- The pros are strong (versatility, reactivity, demand), but cons like safety risk, price volatility, and regulatory burden mean that end-users must adopt safe and efficient practices.