Here's a non-traditional use of magnesium...
Mg at Burning ManOne of the stunts... a trench full of old engine cases (magnesium, or course) set on fire. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
A fact that hasn't come up yet... not only is burning magnesium bright, but, IIRC, there's quite a bit of UV in the emitted light. Do not stare at burning magnesium.