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.
