Compounds for stimulating bone formation are provided. The compound consists of a paste or similar material with viscous properties that can be coated on and spread over bone tissue and other surfaces of interest, wherein the compound contains Mg and at least one of the elements Ca, Mn and Zn, and wherein Mg constitutes at least 75 percent by weight of the total quantity of Mg, Ca, Mn and Zn in the compound. Methods for stimulating bone formation, medical kits, and methods for manufacturing the compound are also provided.