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..
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
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.
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