Magnesium chloride,also known as chloromagnesite, is a colorless crystalline solid. It is soluble in water and alcohol and is used in the ceramic and textile industries. Magnesium chloride is formed by heating hydrated magnesium chloride crystals in a current of dry hydrogen chloride or by heating magnesium ammonium chloride. Hydrated magnesium chloride, MgCI2·6H20 , also known as bischophite,is a white deliquescent solid formed by the reaction of magnesium carbonate(or hydroxide,oxide or metal)and hydrogen chloride. It is used in disinfectants, fire extinguishers, and paper manufacture.