Description

Manganese is a chemical element with symbol Mn and atomic number *5. It is not found as a free element in nature; it is often found in minerals in combination with iron. Manganese is a metal with important industrial metal alloy uses, particularly in stainless steel.
Manganese ore is a silver-gray metal with a pinkish tinge. It is a hard metallic element although it is quite brittle. Manganese ores are found in metamorphic rocks or sedimentary deposits. Pyrolusite is the main ore mineral for manganese.
Manganese is used also as an alloy with metals such as aluminum and copper. Important nonmetallurgical uses include battery cathodes, soft ferrites used in electronics, micronutrients in fertilizers, micronutrients in animal feed, water treatment chemicals, colorant for automobile undercoating, bricks, frits, Glass, textiles, and tiles.