
Discovery date | 1774 |
---|---|
Discovered by | Johan Gottlieb Gahn |
Origin of the name | The derivation of Manganese may have come from one of two routes: either from the Latin 'magnes', meaning magnet, or from the black magnesium oxide, 'magnesia nigra'. |
Allotropes |
What is the best source of manganese?
Top Foods High in Manganese
- Nuts. This is not only one of the easiest and best sources of manganese but it’s perfect for vegans and vegetarians.
- Leafy Green Vegetables. Another great way to get your manganese is to include plenty of leafy green veggies such as kale, collards, and spinach.
- Beans. ...
- Fish. ...
- Tea. ...
- Spices. ...
- Seeds. ...
- Seafood. ...
Is manganese bad for You?
While it is an essential trace element and necessary for good health, high levels of manganese in drinking water may bring bad news to your health. Since manganese is in various food sources like grains and cereals, consuming manganese in drinking water may cause a significant increase in the intake of the element.
What are food sources of manganese?
Some examples of foods that are good sources of manganese include:
- nuts, such as almonds and pecans
- beans and legumes, such as lima and pinto beans
- oatmeal and bran cereals
- whole wheat bread
- brown rice
- leafy green vegetables, such as spinach
- fruits, such as pineapple and acai
- dark chocolate
What are some facts about manganese?
- Cave paintings which dates from Stone Age encloses manganese pigments.
- Manganese resembles iron, but has silver gray color.
- Though it oxidizes easily but does not fuse easily.
- There are 18 known radioactive isotopes of manganese.
- Manganese dioxide is common.

Where and how was manganese discovered?
Proposed to be an element by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1774, manganese was discovered by Johan Gottlieb Gahn, a Swedish chemist, by heating the mineral pyrolusite (MnO2) in the presence of charcoal later that year.
How was the manganese formed?
Pure manganese is produced by hydrometallurgical and electrolytic processes, while ferromanganese and silicomanganese are produced by the smelting of ores in a blast furnace or, more commonly, in an electric furnace.
What is the history of manganese?
Manganese is pronounced as MAN-ge-nees. History and Uses: Proposed to be an element by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1774, manganese was discovered by Johan Gottlieb Gahn, a Swedish chemist, by heating the mineral pyrolusite (MnO2) in the presence of charcoal later that year.
Where was the element manganese discovered?
Carl Wilhelm ScheeleJohan Gottlieb GahnIgnatius Gottfried KaimManganese/Discoverers
How is manganese formed in nature?
The main mining areas for manganese are in China, Africa, Australia and Gabon. The metal is obtained by reducing the oxide with sodium, magnesium or aluminium, or by the electrolysis of manganese sulfate. Manganese nodules have been found on the floor of the oceans.
What rock is manganese found in?
In nature, manganese is concentrated in various manganese rocks of sedimentary and hydrothermal-sedimentary genesis consisting predominantly (> 50%) of manganese minerals (Mn content—15–20% and greater); commonly this term is used in the literature as a synonym for manganese ore.
What's manganese used for?
Manganese helps the body form connective tissue, bones, blood clotting factors, and sex hormones. It also plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation. Manganese is also necessary for normal brain and nerve function.
What is the main use of manganese?
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.
When was manganese first used?
30,000 years agoManganese has been used since ancient times, science writer John Emsley wrote in an article in Nature Chemistry (opens in new tab). Cave artists in France used the black ore (manganese dioxide or pyrolusite) at least 30,000 years ago.
Why manganese is used in steel?
Manganese removes oxygen and sulfur when iron ore (an iron and oxygen compound) is converted into iron. It also is an essential alloy that helps convert iron into steel. As an alloy it decreases the brittleness of steel and imparts strength.
Who invented the element manganese?
Carl Wilhelm ScheeleJohan Gottlieb GahnIgnatius Gottfried KaimManganese/Discoverers
How much manganese is left in the world?
around 1.5 billion metric tonsIn 2021, the total global reserves of manganese were estimated at around 1.5 billion metric tons, a nearly three-fold increase compared to 2010. South Africa has the largest manganese reserves worldwide by far.
When was the manganese discovered?
1774Manganese / Discovered
What is made out of manganese?
Most of the manganese produced is used in the form of ferromanganese and silicomanganese alloys for iron and steel manufacture. Manganese ores containing iron oxides are first reduced in blast furnaces or electric furnaces with carbon to yield ferromanganese, which in turn is used in steelmaking.
Who invented the element manganese?
Carl Wilhelm ScheeleJohan Gottlieb GahnIgnatius Gottfried KaimManganese/Discoverers
How much manganese is left in the world?
around 1.5 billion metric tonsIn 2021, the total global reserves of manganese were estimated at around 1.5 billion metric tons, a nearly three-fold increase compared to 2010. South Africa has the largest manganese reserves worldwide by far.
When was manganese first discovered?
From the middle of the eighteenth century the combinations of manganese were studied by various chemists, and finally, in 1774, the metal manganese was isolated by Gahn, but for years there was much confusion in regard to its specific name, and it was not until after the beginning of the present century that the name manganese ( mangan in German) began to be generally adopted. [Century Dictionary, 1897]
What is the ancient word for a magnet?
The ancient word, in this sense, has evolved into magnet. But in ancient times the same word, magnes, was used of lodestone as well as of a mineral commonly used in bleaching glass (modern pyrolusite, or manganese dioxide).
What is the name of the black mineral?
1670s as the name of a black mineral, oxide of manganese (used from ancient times in glassmaking for removing coloring matter), from French manganèse (16c.), from Italian manganese, alteration or corruption of Medieval Latin magnesia (see magnesia ). From 1783 in English as the name of the metallic element.
Where did the lodestone come from?
late 14c., in alchemy, "one of the two main ingredients of the philosopher's stone," from Medieval Latin magnesia, from Greek (he) Magnesia (lithos) "the lodestone," literally " (the) Magnesian (stone)," a mineral said to have been brought from Magnesia, the region in Thessaly, which is said to be named for the native people name Magnetes, which is of unknown origin.
What is manganese involved in?
Through the action of these enzymes, manganese is involved in amino acid, cholesterol, glucose, and carbohydrate metabolism; reactive oxygen species scavenging; bone formation; reproduction; and immune response [ 3-7 ]. Manganese also plays a role in blood clotting and hemostasis in conjunction with vitamin K [ 5 ].
What foods contain manganese?
Includes a variety of protein foods such as lean meats; poultry; eggs; seafood; beans, peas, and lentils; nuts and seeds; and soy products. Nuts, legumes, and mollusks contain manganese. Limits foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.
What is the DRI for manganese?
DRI is the general term for a set of reference values used for planning and assessing nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by age and sex, include:
How much manganese is in the human body?
The human body contains about 10 to 20 mg manganese, of which 25% to 40% is in bone [ 1, 2 ]. The liver, pancreas, kidney, and brain also contain manganese. The body maintains stable tissue manganese concentrations through regulatory control of manganese absorption and excretion [ 5 ].
Does manganese increase the risk of illness?
Because of the role of manganese as a cofactor for several enzymes, low intakes might increase the risk of illness . This section focuses on two health areas in which manganese might be involved: bone health and diabetes.
Is manganese deficiency rare?
Manganese deficiency is very rare in humans, and signs and symptoms of deficiency have not been firmly established [ 1, 2 ]. The very limited evidence in humans suggests that manganese deficiency might cause bone demineralization and poor growth in children; skin rashes, hair depigmentation, decreased serum cholesterol, and increased alkaline phosphatase activity in men; and altered mood and increased premenstrual pain in women [ 2, 4 ]. Manganese deficiency might also alter lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and cause abnormal glucose tolerance [ 3 ].
Does the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey include manganese?
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which provides dietary intake data for most nutrients, does not include manganese [ 19 ]. The Total Diet Study (TDS) is an FDA program that monitors the nutrient content of typical foods consumed by the U.S population [ 20 ].
What is manganese used for?
Manganese is used as a black-brown pigment in paint. It is an essential trace element for living creatures. It is mainly used to decolourize glass and to prepare violet-coloured glass. Steel contains 1% manganese to increase the strength and improve the workability.
What is manganese atomic number?
What is Manganese? Manganese, a chemical element that has a symbol Mn and atomic number 25. This element is not found as a free element in nature but available in combination with iron and other minerals. It is a metal that has important metal alloy uses and particularly in stainless steel.
How manganese is removed from water?
Water softeners are used to remove magnesium and calcium hardness from water by an exchange process.
What is the strength of manganese steel?
Manganese steel has 13% manganese which is very strong and used for railway tracks, rifle barrels, safes and prison bars. Drink cans are made from an alloy of aluminium that contains 1.5% manganese, improving the resistance to corrosion.
Is manganese reactive or non reactive?
Certain Facts About Manganese. Manganese is more reactive when available in pure form, and as a powder, it will burn in oxygen to react with water and dissolves in dilute acids.
What is manganese found in?
Manganese is a mineral that is found in several foods including nuts, legumes, seeds, tea, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables. It is considered an essential nutrient, because the body requires it to function properly. People use manganese as medicine.
What is the maximum amount of manganese you can take daily?
The daily ULs for manganese are: for adults 19 years and older (including pregnant and breast-feeding women), 11 mg.
How to treat low manganese levels in children?
Manganese deficiency. Taking manganese by mouth or giving manganese intravenously (by IV) helps to treat or prevent low manganese levels in the body. Also, taking manganese by mouth along with other vitamins and minerals can promote growth in children who have low levels of manganese in developing countries. Hay fever.
How safe is manganese for kids?
Children: Taking manganese by mouth is LIKELY SAFE for children 1 to 3 years in amounts less than 2 mg per day; for children 4 to 8 years in amounts less than 3 mg per day; for children 9 to 13 years in amounts less than 6 mg per day; and for children 14 to 18 years in amounts less than 9 mg per day. Manganese in higher doses than described is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Talk with your health care provider before giving manganese to children. High doses of manganese might cause serious side effects. Manganese is LIKELY UNSAFE when inhaled by children.
Is it safe to take manganese tablets?
When taken by mouth: Manganese is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in amounts up to 11 mg per day. However, people who have trouble getting rid of manganese from the body, such as people with liver disease, may experience side effects when taking less than 11 mg per day. Taking more than 11 mg per day by mouth is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for most adults.
Is manganese a side effect of IV?
Nutrition that is given intravenously (by IV). People who receive nutrition intravenously (by IV) are at an increased risk of side effects due to manganese.
Is manganese bad for you?
When inhaled: Manganese is LIKELY UNSAFE when inhaled by adults for long periods of time. Excess manganese in the body can cause serious side effects, including poor bone health and symptoms resembling Parkinson disease, such as shaking (tremors).
What is manganese?
Manganese is a mineral that is found naturally in the environment and is one of the most abundant metals on the earth’s surface, in air, water, and soil. It can be found in both groundwater and surface water from natural sources or as a result of human activity such as mining and industrial discharges.
What are the health impacts of manganese?
The likelihood of health impacts from manganese are dependent on factors such as the route of exposure, the chemical form, the age at exposure, and an individual’s nutritional status. Certain groups that are more sensitive to manganese include infants, the elderly, and those with liver disease.
How do I remove manganese from my water?
Water treatment technologies that have been shown to be capable of removing manganese from drinking water in your home include cation exchange water softening, distillation, filtration, and reverse osmosis .
What is the HA level for manganese?
In 2004, EPA set a non-enforceable lifetime health advisory (HA) level of 0.3 mg/L for chronic exposure to manganese and a 1-day and 10-day HA of 1 mg/L for acute exposure. The EPA suggests 0.3 mg/L be used for both chronic and acute exposure for infants younger than 6 months old.
Is there a federal limit on manganese in drinking water?
Currently, there is no federal enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for manganese in drinking water. Public water systems are not required to test for manganese under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Does manganese affect IQ?
Studies suggest an association between exposure to manganese in drinking water and neurological issues in infants and children, such as changes in behavior, lower IQ, speech and memory difficult ies, and lack of coordination and movement control.
Is drinking water a source of manganese?
Drinking water can be a source of exposure to manganese. Elevated manganese concentrations can occur in municipal water as well as water from private wells. In general, manganese is more prevalent and found at higher concentrations in groundwater than surface water. Most exposure occurs from ingestion and not from bathing/showering.

Overview
History
The origin of the name manganese is complex. In ancient times, two black minerals were identified from the regions of the Magnetes (either Magnesia, located within modern Greece, or Magnesia ad Sipylum, located within modern Turkey). They were both called magnes from their place of origin, but were considered to differ in sex. The male magnes attracted iron, and was the iron o…
Characteristics
Manganese is a silvery-gray metal that resembles iron. It is hard and very brittle, difficult to fuse, but easy to oxidize. Manganese metal and its common ions are paramagnetic. Manganese tarnishes slowly in air and oxidizes ("rusts") like iron in water containing dissolved oxygen.
Naturally occurring manganese is composed of one stable isotope, Mn. Several
Occurrence and production
Manganese comprises about 1000 ppm (0.1%) of the Earth's crust, the 12th most abundant of the crust's elements. Soil contains 7–9000 ppm of manganese with an average of 440 ppm. The atmosphere contains 0.01 μg/m . Manganese occurs principally as pyrolusite (MnO2), braunite, (Mn Mn 6)(SiO12), psilomelane (Ba,H2O)2Mn5O10, and to a lesser extent as rhodochrosite (MnCO3).
Applications
Manganese has no satisfactory substitute in its major applications in metallurgy. In minor applications (e.g., manganese phosphating), zinc and sometimes vanadium are viable substitutes.
Manganese is essential to iron and steel production by virtue of its sulfur-fixing, deoxidizing, and alloying properties, as first recognized by the British metallurgist Robert …
Biological role
The classes of enzymes that have manganese cofactors include oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases and ligases. Other enzymes containing manganese are arginase and Mn-containing superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD). Also the enzyme class of reverse transcriptases of many retroviruses (though not lentiviruses such as HIV) contains manganese. Manganese-contain…
Precautions
Manganese compounds are less toxic than those of other widespread metals, such as nickel and copper. However, exposure to manganese dusts and fumes should not exceed the ceiling value of 5 mg/m even for short periods because of its toxicity level. Manganese poisoning has been linked to impaired motor skills and cognitive disorders.
Permanganate exhibits a higher toxicity than manganese(II) compounds. The fatal dose is abou…
Environmental health concerns
Waterborne manganese has a greater bioavailability than dietary manganese. According to results from a 2010 study, higher levels of exposure to manganese in drinking water are associated with increased intellectual impairment and reduced intelligence quotients in school-age children. It is hypothesized that long-term exposure due to inhaling the naturally occurring manganese in sho…