The finite temperature density functional theory and quasiharmonic lattice dynamics have been used to compute numerous thermodynamic properties of hexagonal close packed magnesium using both the local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for the exchange-correlation potential. Generally, it is found that there exist only minor differences between the LDA and GGA computed properties, with both giving good agreement with experiment. The hcp-bcc phase boundary has also been computed and is found to be in agreement with experimental observation. Again, only slight differences are found between the LDA and GGA.

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Density functional theory (DFT) is currently one of the most accurate and yet practical theories used to gain insight into the properties of materials.