What is Manganese? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts

What is Manganese?

Manganese is the 1st element in the 7th column of the periodic table. It is classified as a transition metal. Manganese atoms have 25 electrons and 25 protons with 30 neutrons in the most abundant isotope.

Characteristics and Properties

Under normal conditions, manganese is a silver-gray solid metal. In many ways, manganese resembles iron, which is its next element on the periodic table. In its pure form, it is so fragile that it cannot be machined without breaking.

Pure manganese may have a shiny surface, but tarnishes when exposed to air. It will also slowly rust or get damaged when exposed to water.

Manganese is a fairly active element and can form several oxidation states. The most stable is +2.

Highlights of Manganese:

Where is Manganese found on Earth?

Manganese is found mainly in the earth’s crust, where it is the twelfth most abundant element. It is found in a number of minerals and ores such as pyrolusite, bruanite and psilomelane. Traces are found in seawater as well as in the atmosphere.

Most of the world’s manganese is found in South Africa and Australia. The most important ore mined is pyrolusite.

Large amounts of manganese are also thought to exist on the ocean floor. However, this manganese harvesting turned out to be impractical and too expensive.

How is Manganese used today?

Much of the industrially produced manganese is used to produce metal alloys. It is widely used in steel, including high-strength steel, and in the production of stainless steel. It is also used in aluminum alloys, mainly in beverage cans, where it increases corrosion resistance and contributes to hardness.

Other uses include batteries, as an additive in gasoline, as a colorant in paints, and as a colorant in ceramics and glass.

Manganese plays an important role in living organisms. It is used by several enzymes. In the human body, it is important for strong bones as well as the functioning of the liver and kidneys. It is also important for photosynthesis in plants.

How was Manganese discovered?

The first scientist to isolate the element manganese was the Swedish chemist Johan G. Gahn in 1774. Other scientists knew of the element’s existence before, but no one was able to isolate it.

Where did Manganese get its name?

The name comes from the Latin word “magnes”, which means magnet. It got this name because of its compounds used in the production of glass. Make no mistake, despite its name, manganese is not magnetic.

Isotopes

Manganese has a stable isotope in nature, manganese-55.

Interesting Facts about Manganese

It was once considered part of the “iron group” of elements because it sits above the transition metal ranks with iron and has properties similar to iron.

It is believed that overexposure to manganese can cause neurological (brain) disorders.

Although we need it to survive, our bodies cannot store manganese.

Manganese dioxide has been used as paint for thousands of years.