production of magnesium comprises a graphite body having an essentially impermeable coating thereon of magnesium or magnesium aluminum alloy application_number US 30363581 A description the following examples will further describe the invention it is understood that the examples are provided to illustrate the practice of the invention and are not intended as limiting beyond the limitations imposed by the appended claims a graphite anode machined to proper diameter to pass through an air tight seal of a magnesium production cell after coating is placed on a lathe type machine equipped with jigs designed to protect the socketed ends of the anode the machine is also equipped with flame spraying equipment designed to spray a uniform coating the machine and spraying equipment are activated and a uniform coating of about 2 mm thickness consisting of an alloy of about 80 wt magnesium and about 20 wt aluminum is sprayed on the anode the coated anode may then be used in an electrolytic cell for the production of magnesium in the manner known in the art an ordinary graphite anode is added to an electrolytic cell for the production of magnesium in a conventional manner the surface of the anode above the essentially air tight seal is then uniformly flame sprayed to a thickness of about 2 mm with an alloy consisting of about 80 wt magnesium and about 20 wt aluminum to form an essentially impermeable coating which reduces the amount of air drawn into the cell through the porous structure of the anode during operation thereof reducing this air flow reduces the loss of graphite due to oxidation and improves the electrical efficiency of the cell by reducing the 34 scalloped 34 shape of.