Magnesium aluminum alloys

JGM_14

How would one go about distingushing between magnesium alloys and aluminum alloys (physical characteristics)?

Astronuc

One would do a chemical analysis - e.g. X-ray or emission spectroscopy to determine precise alloy composition.

Other than that, one can look at strength (yield and ultimate), strength-to-weight ratio, elongation, thermal conductivity, corrosion behavior, toughness, . . .