How can one distinguish between magnesium and aluminum alloys physically?

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JGM_14
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How would one go about distingushing between magnesium alloys and aluminum alloys (physical characteristics)?
 
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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, . . .