Magnesium chloride is an inorganic salt composed of magnesium and chlorine, with the chemical formula MgCl2. It occurs naturally in seawater, salt lakes, and underground brines, which is why it is closely associated with coastal and salt-lake chemical production regions such as Shandong in China. In commercial form it is most often supplied as the hexahydrate (MgCl2·6H2O) or as anhydrous material, depending on the application. Buyers use it across de-icing, construction, feed, oilfield, textile, and water treatment industries because it is effective, versatile, and relatively economical.
The hexahydrate, MgCl2·6H2O, contains six molecules of crystal water, so its actual MgCl2 content is typically around 46%, with the remainder being water of crystallization and minor impurities. It usually appears as white flakes, balls, or powder and is the most common commercial form for de-icing, feed, and general industrial use. The anhydrous grade has had almost all water removed, so it reaches around 99% MgCl2 and is supplied as powder or flake; it is preferred where high purity, low moisture, or a high active-magnesium concentration is required. Choosing between them is mostly a question of water content, purity, and how the product will be handled or dosed.
Weifang Hailei Fine Chemical Co., Ltd. supplies a full range of magnesium chloride: 46% hexahydrate flake; 99% anhydrous powder; anhydrous flake 99%; brine building grade; brine liquid 32%; feed grade 46%; hexahydrate ball; and hexahydrate powder 46%. This breadth lets buyers pick a form factor (flake, ball, powder, or liquid) and a purity level matched to their process. For example, 46% hexahydrate flake suits bulk de-icing and magnesium oxychloride cement, while 99% anhydrous powder suits high-purity chemical uses. Liquid 32% brine is convenient for dust control and oilfield injection, where a ready-to-use solution saves handling time.
Most magnesium chloride is obtained from natural brine or salt lake sources rather than synthesized from scratch. In Shandong, producers draw on underground brine and seawater resources, then concentrate and purify the liquor through evaporation, settling, and crystallization steps. The resulting hexahydrate crystals are dried, flaked, balled, or milled depending on the target form. Anhydrous grades undergo further dehydration, often at elevated temperature, to drive off crystal water and reach high MgCl2 content. This brine-based route is a key reason Weifang has become a major inorganic-salt chemical production base.
Magnesium chloride serves de-icing and dust control, magnesium oxychloride (Sorel) cement, animal feed, oilfield brines, textiles, water treatment, and more. Its hygroscopic nature makes it effective at binding dust and melting ice, while its magnesium content adds nutritional and functional value in feed. In construction it is a core raw material for fire-resistant boards, flooring, and grinding wheels. This versatility means a single supplier relationship can cover several of a buyer's product lines.
For de-icing, magnesium chloride lowers the freezing point of water, preventing ice from bonding to road surfaces and helping melt existing ice and snow. It is applied as liquid brine, pre-wetted solids, or dry flakes, and is valued because it performs well in cold conditions and is generally considered less corrosive and less harmful to vegetation than some alternatives. For dust control, the same hygroscopic property lets it draw moisture from the air to keep unpaved roads damp and dust suppressed. Many buyers choose the 46% hexahydrate flake or the 32% liquid brine for these applications.
Sorel cement is formed by mixing magnesium oxide (magnesia) with a magnesium chloride solution, producing a strong, fast-setting material. It is used in fire-resistant wall boards, industrial flooring, grinding wheels, and lightweight panels. The magnesium chloride is the key reagent that reacts with magnesia to form the hardened oxychloride phases. Buyers in this industry typically need consistent hexahydrate content and controlled impurities to keep setting time and strength stable.
Magnesium is an essential mineral for livestock and poultry, supporting bone development, enzyme function, and nerve and muscle activity. Feed-grade magnesium chloride is a concentrated, absorbable magnesium source used to correct magnesium deficiency and to balance mineral premixes. Hailei supplies a feed grade 46% (hexahydrate-based) product intended for use within the relevant national feed-additive regulations. Buyers should confirm the applicable feed standards and dosage limits for their own market.
In oil and gas operations, magnesium chloride brine is used in completion, workover, and drilling fluids, where its density and compatibility with formation waters are valuable. Because it is a clear, solids-free brine of adjustable density, it helps control well pressure while reducing formation damage. Hailei offers a brine liquid 32% grade as well as solid grades that can be dissolved on site to prepare field brines. Buyers usually specify chloride content, density, and impurity limits when sourcing for oilfield use.
In textile processing and dyeing, magnesium chloride can act as a catalyst or auxiliary in certain dyeing, printing, and finishing processes. It may help fix dyes, adjust pH or ionic conditions, or support the action of other finishing agents. The specific role depends on the fiber and the process, so buyers typically share their formulation to confirm the right grade and purity. Consistent solubility and low impurity levels are important for reproducible textile results.
Start by identifying the required MgCl2 content (for example, 46% hexahydrate versus 99% anhydrous), the preferred physical form (flake, ball, powder, or liquid), and any impurity limits. Consider how the material will be handled: powder and flake dissolve quickly, balls are dust-free and easy to convey, and liquid brine avoids dissolving on site. Then confirm application-specific requirements, such as feed regulations, cement performance, or oilfield brine density. Sharing your end use with the supplier lets them recommend the most economical grade that still meets your specification.
The most important test item is the MgCl2 content (main assay), which is expressed as 46% for hexahydrate grades and around 99% for anhydrous grades. Common additional items include sulfate (SO4), alkali metal chlorides (mainly NaCl and KCl), water-insoluble matter, and sometimes heavy metals or moisture. A reliable supplier provides a certificate of analysis (COA) showing these results for each lot. For regulated uses such as feed, ask whether the grade meets the applicable national or industry standard.
Magnesium chloride flakes, balls, and powder are commonly packed in 25 kg or 50 kg bags (woven PP with an inner PE liner), while large industrial buyers can use jumbo bags of around 500 kg to 1000 kg. Liquid 32% brine is typically shipped in IBC totes, drums, or flexitank and bulk liquid containers, depending on volume. Packaging can often be customized with the buyer's label, or supplied as plain neutral bags. The right choice balances protection from moisture, ease of unloading, and freight cost.
Magnesium chloride is strongly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air, so it must be kept in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse away from direct contact with water. Keep bags sealed until use and re-close any partially used stock, because absorbed moisture causes caking and can reduce free-flowing handling. Liquid brine should be stored in compatible, corrosion-resistant containers such as appropriate plastic or lined tanks, and protected from freezing and contamination. Anhydrous grades are especially moisture-sensitive and need the tightest storage conditions.
MOQ and lead time depend on the grade, packaging, and destination, so they are usually confirmed case by case. For overseas B2B buyers, the economical order is commonly a full container load (FCL) — often around 20 to 28 tonnes depending on packaging and product form — while smaller trial or sample quantities are also possible. Production lead time is influenced by order volume, current stock, and seasonal demand, with de-icing orders typically placed ahead of the winter season. Ask the supplier for a current quote that states MOQ, production time, and shipping schedule together.
Price is driven mainly by grade and purity (anhydrous costs more than hexahydrate), the physical form, and the packaging. Raw-material and energy costs at the brine source, seasonal demand (especially the winter de-icing season), and international freight rates also move prices. Larger volumes and stable annual contracts generally obtain better unit pricing. Buyers should compare quotes on a delivered, like-for-like basis — same grade, form, packaging, and Incoterm — rather than on headline price alone.
Look for a manufacturer or source factory with real production and quality-control capability rather than only a trading middleman, because this tends to improve consistency, traceability, and price stability. Request a COA, product samples, and details on production capacity and logistics experience for your market. Weifang, Shandong is a major inorganic-salt chemical base, and Hailei positions itself as a source factory (源头厂家) with magnesium chloride among its core products alongside calcium chloride and industrial salt. A responsive supplier who asks about your end use and offers clear specifications is usually a good sign.
Solid grades ship easily in bags or bulk containers by sea, with Shandong's major ports (such as Qingdao) providing regular export routes. Liquid brine moves in IBCs, drums, or bulk liquid containers and may require specific carrier arrangements. Because the product is hygroscopic, containers should be clean, dry, and well-sealed. Buyers should confirm the Incoterm, documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any required certificates or test reports), and any import regulations in the destination country.
Magnesium chloride is generally considered a low-toxicity, non-flammable material, but it can irritate the eyes and skin, and its dust should not be inhaled. Workers should wear basic protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a dust mask when handling powder for long periods. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Always refer to the safety data sheet (SDS) provided with the shipment for complete handling, storage, and first-aid guidance.
Both are hygroscopic chloride salts that lower the freezing point of water, but they differ in performance and impact. Calcium chloride typically works at somewhat lower temperatures and releases more heat, while magnesium chloride is often favored for lower corrosion of metal and less damage to concrete and roadside vegetation. Magnesium chloride also tends to be chosen where environmental concerns and infrastructure protection are priorities. Hailei supplies both products, so buyers can discuss their climate, surfaces, and budget to choose the better fit.
Hailei is located in Weifang, Shandong, one of China's most established inorganic-salt chemical production regions, which supports reliable raw-material access and efficient logistics. The company is a source factory (源头厂家) whose core products include magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, industrial salt, and related inorganic salts. Sourcing directly from the manufacturer can improve consistency, traceability, and cost control compared with multi-layer trading. The company serves global B2B buyers across de-icing, oil & gas, construction, water treatment, food, feed, agriculture, textile, glass, detergent, mining, and pulp & paper.
Yes — most suppliers, including Hailei, can provide samples so buyers can verify appearance, solubility, and assay before committing to a large order. Specifications such as physical form, packaging, and labeling can often be adjusted to your requirements within the available grades. Customization is best discussed early, because it may affect MOQ, lead time, and cost. Request a pre-shipment COA and, if needed, third-party testing to confirm the product matches your specification.
Standard export documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, plus a certificate of analysis (COA) for the shipped lot. Depending on the destination and end use, additional documentation — such as a certificate of origin or specific test reports — may be requested. For regulated applications like feed, buyers should specify their required compliance documents so the supplier can confirm whether they are available. Always state your documentation needs before production to avoid delays at customs.
A typical order begins with an inquiry stating your target grade, form, quantity, destination, and Incoterm. The supplier responds with a quotation and specification, and you may request a sample or COA for confirmation. After agreeing on price, packaging, and delivery terms, a proforma invoice is issued and production begins once the deposit is received. The goods are then packed, inspected, loaded, and shipped, with the supplier providing the shipping documents for customs clearance at your end.