AlGeMgRu

Pseudo-chemists' representation of 알깨마루 : Go see the http://www.algehaus.org ![ | ]

From alumen, the Latin for the mineral alum. The most abundant of metals. A lot of energy is needed to extract it from its ores : however, this is worthwhile because it does not rust and is easy to recycle. It is lightweight but tough and is widely used for window frames, aircraft parts, engines, kegs, cooking oil, drinks cans, etc. Foods with above average amounts of aluminium are tea, processed cheese, lentils and sponge cakes (where it comes from the rising agent). Cooking in aluminium pans does not greatly increase the amount in our diet except when cooking acid foods such as rhubarb. Some indigestion tablets are pure aluminium hydroxide !

Ge

The name is derived from Germania, the Latin name for Germany. A silvery semi-metal element used in semi-conductors and speciality glass for infrared devices. Germanium ores are very rare, and the element is recovered as a by-product of zinc and copper refining. Our daily diet may contain as much as 1 milligram, but theories that germanium is important to our health have been discredited.

Mg

The element is named after Magnesia, a district of Thessaly in Greece, where it was first found. A silvery white metal that can be made to burn with a bright light and was formerly used in flash bulbs. It is now used in alloys to provide lightweight frames for bicycles, car seats and luggage. The sea contains trillions of tonnes of magnesium, and this is the source of much of the 300,000 tonnes now produced annually. It is an essential element for all living things. Humans take in 250-350 milligrams each day (about 100g a year), and we each have about 20 grams in our bodies.

Ru	The name is derived from Ruthenia, the Latin name for Russia. Like rhodium, one of the rarest metals on Earth. It is used to harden platinum and palladium and as a catalyst in the chemicals industry. Like gold, this metal can be found in the free state.

all adapted from http://www.chemsoc.org/viselements/pages/pertable_fla.htm