Manganese

Manganese is a chemical element; it has symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is a hard, brittle, silvery metal, often found in minerals in combination with iron. Manganese was first isolated in the 1770s. Manganese is a transition metal with a multifaceted array of industrial alloy uses, particularly in stainless steels.

It is mainly used in alloys, such as steel. Steel contains about 1% manganese, to increase the strength and also improve workability and resistance to wear. Manganese steel contains about 13% manganese. This is extremely strong and is used for railway tracks, safes, rifle barrels and prison bars.

Identity.

Manganese (Mn) is a naturally occurring element that is found in rock, soil, water, and food.

Atomic Structure:

The nucleus consists of 25 protons (red) and 30 neutrons (blue). 25 electrons (green) bind to the nucleus, successively occupying available electron shells (rings).

History.

Manganese's history stretches back millennia. Evidence suggests early humans used manganese oxides, found in cave paintings around 30,000 years ago, for their colorful pigments. Fast forward to the 18th century, scientists began unraveling the element's secrets. In 1774, Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele identified manganese in a mineral, while his colleague Johan Gottlieb Gahn later isolated the pure metal.

The 19th century saw manganese gain industrial importance. Its ability to strengthen steel revolutionized various industries, from construction to transportation. Today, manganese remains a vital component in steel production, but its uses extend far beyond. From batteries to fertilizers, this versatile element continues to shape our world in countless ways.

Usage.

Manganese is used to produce a variety of important alloys and to deoxidize steel and desulfurize. It is also used in dry cell batteries. Manganese is used as a black-brown pigment in paint. It is an essential trace element for living creatures.

Some of the benefits of using manganese are:

Manganese may play a role in helping the body use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
Manganese is involved in collagen production, which is important for wound healing.
Manganese is a cofactor for many enzymes in the body, which are involved in various metabolic processes.

Sources.

Manganese is present in a wide variety of foods, including whole grains, clams, oysters, mussels, nuts, soybeans and other legumes, rice, leafy vegetables, coffee, tea, and many spices such as black pepper.

Properties.

Manganese is a pinkinsh-gray, chemically active element. It is a hard metal and is very brittle. It is hard to melt, but easily oxidized. Manganese is reactive when pure, and as a powder it will burn in oxygen, it reacts with water (it rusts like iron) and dissolves in dilute acids.