Magnesium makes a light-weight, heat resistant metal. It is also a catalyst for the reproduction of the skin cells, and an industry of skin-care products and cosmetics has developed by the Dead Sea. Potash, mixed with phosphates, makes excellent fertilizer. Few countries have both, but Israel does: there are phosphate mines in the Negev. This advantage has enabled it to dominate the global market in the fertilizer industry. Bromide is a sedative, much in demand in this part of the world.