The invention relates to compositions includingmagnesium-lithium alloys containing various alloying elements suitable formedicalimplant devices. The devices may be constructed of the compositions or haveapplied thereto a coating formed therefrom. Within the structure of themagnesium-lithium alloy, there is a co-existence of alpha and beta phases. Theinvention also relates to methods of preparing the magnesium-lithium alloysand articles, such as medical implant devices, for use in medicalapplications,such as but not limited to, orthopedic, dental, craniofacial andcardiovascularsurgery.