Magnesium is the lightest metal currently processed by powder bed fusion - laser beam (PBF-LB). Its low density implies very different powder characteristics compared to materials more established within AM. To gain a greater understanding of the characteristics of magnesium powder and its implications for AM, a gas-atomized WE43 powder was characterized and processed by PBF-LB. The spreadability of the powder was evaluated using TQC Sheen Automatic Film Applicator, while in parallel, the powder was processed in PBF-LB. The flowability was evaluated using Hall and Gustafsson flowmeters. Apparent density was measured and general behaviour during handling was evaluated. The results were compared with powders commonly used in PBF-LB. The spreadability of the powder was greater than expected: the powder flowed in both the Hall and Gustavsson flowmeters, although the flow time was extremely long. Parts were successfully built in an EOS M290 printer using the powder with the as-atomized particle size distribution.