Magnesium balls (also called Mg granules, ORP magnesium balls, or negative potential metal balls) are made from 99.95% high-purity magnesium. Their core mechanism is micro-electrolysis with water: the highly reactive Mg metal reacts with H₂O to produce dissolved hydrogen, Mg²⁺ ions, and OH⁻ — simultaneously achieving multiple water quality improvements.

1. Generate Hydrogen-Rich Water (Primary Function)

Mg + 2H₂O → Mg(OH)₂ + H₂↑

• Dissolved H₂ rises from ~0.05 ppm to 0.4–2 ppm
• This is the fastest and most direct way to produce hydrogen water compared to other methods
• Note: Mg granules produce H₂ very quickly, so the effect is strong but short-lived (prone to oxidation and turning black)

2. Create Negative ORP Water (Antioxidant / Reducing Water)

• ORP drops from +450~+550 mV → −150~−700 mV
• This gives water strong antioxidant (reducing) capacity, neutralizing oxidizing contaminants like hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺), nitrite (NO₂⁻), and other harmful oxidizers

3. Alkalize Water

• pH rises from 6.5–7.0 → 7.3–9.5 (depending on product grade)
• The OH⁻ ions released during micro-electrolysis naturally push water into the alkaline range
• Advanced alkaline ceramic balls (Mg-based) can reach pH 9.0–9.5

4. Supplement Mg²⁺ Ions (Mineral Enrichment)

This is what makes Mg balls different from hydrogen-rich ceramic balls (which produce H₂ but no minerals):

5. Restructure Water Clusters

• Breaks large water clusters (10+ molecules) into small clusters of 5–6 molecules
• Smaller clusters penetrate cell membranes more easily → better hydration at cellular level

6. Remove Heavy Metals & Iron

• Can remove up to 99% of water-soluble heavy metals: Fe, Cu, Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Ag
• Anti-iron type Mg balls are specifically designed to eliminate rust-colored water, iron bacteria odors, and reddish-brown stains from old plumbing
• Mg(OH)₂ precipitate acts as a coagulant, trapping colloidal particles and heavy metals (same principle as magnesium flocculation in industrial water treatment)

7. Inhibit Microbial Growth

• The alkaline + reducing environment suppresses bacteria and algae reproduction
• Widely used in aquaculture, large aquariums, and swimming pools

8. Reduce Surface Tension

• 73 dyn/cm → 64 dyn/cm
• Better wetting, emulsification of oils/fats, improved dissolution of substances

Mg Balls vs. Hydrogen-Rich Ceramic Balls — Key Difference

Typical Applications

Bottom Line

Magnesium balls are multifunctional water conditioners whose dominant role is producing dissolved hydrogen + negative ORP water, while uniquely also supplementing Mg²⁺ ions — something ceramic H₂ balls cannot do. Their main trade-off: powerful but short-lived due to rapid oxidation. For long-term use, Mg-based ceramic balls (with LSR slow-release technology) are the upgraded alternative.

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