Manganese
(Redirected from Manganum)
Manganese is a chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is not found as a free element in nature; it is often found in minerals in combination with iron. Manganese is a transition metal with a multifaceted array of industrial alloy uses, particularly in stainless steels.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Manganese is a metal with important industrial metal alloy uses, particularly in stainless steel. It is a hard, brittle, silvery metal, often found in minerals in combination with iron. Manganese is a transition metal with a multifaceted array of industrial alloy uses, particularly in stainless steels.
History[edit | edit source]
Manganese was first isolated in 1774 by the Swedish chemist Johan Gottlieb Gahn by reducing manganese dioxide (MnO2) with carbon. The name manganese is derived from the Latin word 'magnes', meaning magnet.
Occurrence and Production[edit | edit source]
Manganese is the twelfth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and is found in many minerals, including pyrolusite (MnO2), rhodochrosite (MnCO3), and manganite (MnO(OH)). The primary mining areas for manganese ores are in South Africa, Australia, China, Brazil, Gabon, India, and Kazakhstan.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Manganese is essential to iron and steel production by virtue of its sulfur-fixing, deoxidizing, and alloying properties. Steelmaking, including its ironmaking component, has accounted for most manganese demand, presently in the range of 85% to 90% of the total demand.
Alloys[edit | edit source]
Manganese is a key component in the production of stainless steel and aluminum alloys. It improves the strength, toughness, and wear resistance of these alloys.
Batteries[edit | edit source]
Manganese dioxide is used as a cathode material in zinc-carbon batteries and alkaline batteries.
Other Uses[edit | edit source]
Manganese compounds have been used in various applications such as fertilizers, animal feed, and ceramics.
Biological Role[edit | edit source]
Manganese is an essential trace element in all known living organisms. It functions as a cofactor for a variety of enzymes, including oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. In humans, manganese is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain, nervous system, and many of the body's enzyme systems.
Health Effects[edit | edit source]
While manganese is essential for health in trace amounts, overexposure can lead to a condition known as manganism, a neurodegenerative disorder that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Manganese toxicity is a risk for workers in industries such as mining and welding.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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