A composition including a hydrate form of magnesium oxide, denoted as MgO.(H2O)n, at a concentration ranging from 1 to 100 weight percent (wt %), where n is any value from 0.1 to 2. The composition may further include MgO at a concentration ranging from 0 to 99 wt %; or Mg(OH)2, at a concentration ranging from 0 to 99 wt %; or Mg(OH)2 at a concentration ranging from 0 to 99 wt %, and MgO, at a concentration ranging from 0 to 99 wt %.