i bought some magnesium ribbon a few years ago from a
seller on Ebay who carryed a lot of science type gear..
the ribbon would not light--after no luck with a match i
tryed a propane torch--no go--maybe i just got a junky
coil..i get the impression this ribbon was made from scrap
bits---the ribbons we lite in science class--1960's would
light with a match and burn line a huge 4th of july sparkler,

"...the ribbons we lite in science class--1960's..."

You too huh? I used mine to ignite my teacher approved black powder bomb. Boy, how the times have changed!!!

More likely it had developed a protective layer of magnesium oxide on its surface. Rub the first 1/2" with some emery cloth to get it shiney then try lighting it again with the butane lighter. A match usually isn't hot enough.

-Blast

Bill Mead,

Welcome the fire newguy!

You are right about the corrosion, both on the sparking flint and the magnesium block itself. I love these blocks, but I need to keep a careful eye on them in Houston's high humidity.

-Blast

You need to get magnesium HOT before it will burn. Remember two things. With a block you're trying to light shavings...these have a surface area WAY higher than a ribbon. Also, the sparks from a zirconium striker/firesteel are crazy hot...like up to 3000 degrees C hot. As far as I know a Bic flame is like 700 degrees and the combustion temperature of most Mg alloys is over 850. I can get it to burn with my Ronson jet lighter (about 1300 degrees) but it just sort of fizzles, never bursting into that bright white fire Mg is known for...I've only ever had it do that with a firesteel...and even then I've had poor luck with it.

Well then I guess I won't waste my money, thanks for the advice.

How about going this route?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Magnesium-metal-SAW-...1QQcmdZViewItem

I don't know much about the corrosion of magnesium but if it's an issue I wouldn't buy the flakes lest they just turn into another substance over time (like buying a pile of iron filings...would be rust in no time). If that's not a concern then I'd say go for it...saves you the work of having to shave the block.

I rather like them myself, though the wind can be a problem. Some of the ideas on how to best use them are excellent