Magnesium Pencil Sharpeners: Is It All Magnesium?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the composition of magnesium pencil sharpeners, specifically questioning whether they are entirely made of magnesium or merely magnesium-plated. A user tested a sharpener with vinegar, leading to the peeling of a grayish layer, suggesting it may not be pure magnesium. The consensus indicates that while some sharpeners may use magnesium alloys, definitive identification of the metal requires advanced testing methods, which are not readily available to the average consumer.

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As you may know , some pencil sharpeners are made from magnesium(the case).Now what I want to know is are they all made from magnesium?
upload_2014-11-29_12-55-45.jpeg
Near my house there are only these ones for sale.I got one and tested it with some vinegar.What hapened is that layer of it started peeling off.After the white grayish layer peeled of it revealed a dark greyish one.Does that mean its only magnesium plated?Or is it all magnesium?
 
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I doubt pure magnesium is ever used. If anything, some magnesium alloy.
 
I know some use realtively pure magnesium, but I don't know if this one does. the sharpener in this one is pure as you may see.
 
I tried lightign the powder that i sanded off the sharpener and it didnt light, so I think its some other metal , can someone tell me which one?
 
There is not enough information - and I am afraid without much more elaborate tests (requiring reagents that you most likely don't have, or at least a strong acid and a reasonably accurate balance) you won't be able to determine the metal identity.
 

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