Magnesium chloride is a naturally occurring mineral that is sometimes sold as a dietary supplement. It is recommended that anyone considering consuming such supplements to first discuss the matter with their health care provider, however, despite the fact that some advocates of the mineral have hailed it as something of a miracle cure for innumerable nerve and muscle conditions. Magnesium chloride is perhaps more widely utilized for melting ice and inhibiting its formation along roads and other surfaces. Indeed, in recent years, magnesium chloride has become more popular among many state highway departments than the traditional deicer, rock salt (sodium chloride). The increasing preference for magnesium chloride is largely due to the fact that some believe it to be less corrosive to metals, less toxic, and more environmentally safe than other deicing products currently available.