High pressure and temperature phases of magnesium

Understanding the high-pressure behavior of Mg is important of the role that it plays in planetary science. Computational studies have also predicted exotic, electride-like solid structures of compressed Mg. Using first-principles theory, we have investigated the high-pressure phases of Mg, both solid and liquid. New findings for its finite-temperature stability and melting curve will be reported and explained. The implications of these results for other elements will be briefly discussed.