The chemical element of manganese turns up in a number of different applications. Here are some basic facts about manganese, its uses and examples of how the element is a vital component in everything from steel production to the health of the human body.
Manganese is designated with a chemical symbol of Mn and has an atomic number of 25. Most commonly, manganese is found as a trace mineral that is described as a free element. By free element, it is meant that manganese has metal properties that make it an essential when it comes to working with metal alloys.
In its natural state, manganese has been described as a pearl gray metal, perhaps a little lighter in hue than iron. While it is a hard metal, it is also very brittle. What makes it such a good fit in construction use is the fact that manganese possesses excellent oxidizing qualities. The result is that manganese included in the process of iron production as well as steel production, creates alloys that are infinitely stronger than the compounds would be without manganese in the mix. In fact, the single largest use of manganese today is in the creation or iron and steel alloys for building purposes.
Still, there are plenty of other products that utilize manganese as part of the components. Items made of stainless steel, such as kitchen sinks, cooking utensils, and a number of types of cookware, all are made from steel alloys that include the presence of manganese. The same is true in the creation of aluminum alloys. Aluminum storage buildings, cookware and even some brands of aluminum foil are made possible by the introduction of manganese and its deoxidization properties into the creation of the basic alloy.
Manganese is also used sparingly in the manufacture of coins in various countries. Current, the European Union uses manganese to produce one- and two- Euro coins, while in the United States, the one dollar coin contains high levels of manganese.
A number of other uses for manganese are common today. Fore example, the inclusion of manganese in gasoline additives has been shown to boost octane ratings and helps to minimize engine knocking. In glass making, manganese helps to remove the green tinge that is something left by the presence of iron particles. Manganese phosphates help to deal with rust and corrosion on steel surfaces. Manganese oxide has a brown appearance that can be used in paints.
When it comes to the human body, the use of manganese as an essential trace mineral that is considered to be both a brain and a nerve food. The mineral is considered to be essential for the formation of healthy red blood cells, proper pituitary gland function, and the maintenance of good eyesight. Many herbal supplements that are meant to combat mental and physical fatigue, digestion problems, and nervous conditions will contain herbs such as ginger and catnip, both known to contain significant amounts of manganese. It is safe to say that manganese is an essential part of our lives in more ways than one.
Manganese is used in many industrial metallurgical processes. It is of particular importance in the creation of alloys of steel and aluminum, but the uses of manganese extend to other industrial areas outside of metallurgy. Manganese is important in nutrition, as well. The human body does not require much of this element, but several biological uses of manganese are critical to the proper functioning of the body, and it is often included in small doses in mineral supplements.
The most significant of all the industrial uses of manganese is steel production which uses more than 85% of all manganese mined. Manganese can be used in several different alloying processes to improve the durability of steel. The ore is particularly useful in increasing steel's resistance to oxidation, so manganese is often used to make stainless steel. The addition of manganese to steel can also improve the overall strength and workability of the material. Hadfield Steel is one example of a mixture of steel and manganese, and is known for both these properties.
Other metals can be alloyed with manganese as well. Alloys of aluminum and manganese are quite common. Manganese bolsters the resistance of aluminum to corrosion, and alloys containing around 1% manganese are commonly used. The aluminum cans familiar to most beverage consumers are produced with just such an alloy.
Industrial chemistry employs manganese, as well. Common uses of manganese in this field revolve around its usefulness as a pigment. Pigments with earth tones often contain manganese. It can be used to produce similar shades when added to bricks.
Disposable alkaline batteries frequently use manganese. The manganese is the cathode in these batteries. Other minerals can be used for this purpose, but the cost and chemical properties of manganese make it a very common choice.
There are a number of biological and biochemical uses of manganese. The vast majority of organisms employ manganese in only trace amounts in biological processes. The human body is no exception to this rule.
Manganese seems to be particularly important for the proper functioning of enzymes. These enzymes have a variety of different functions. Some aid in repairing damage to the body. Others are antioxidants. Additional enzymes make use of manganese to aid in the development of strong and healthy bones.
Given the number of uses of manganese within the human body, it is often included in mineral supplements. Small supplemental doses of manganese are either beneficial or harmless. The body is not equipped to process great amounts of this mineral, however, and in larger doses manganese can be toxic.