Manganese

chemistry · metals · industry

Tough metal helper. Manganese is a hard, silvery metal that scientists discovered way back in the 1770s. Today, it's mixed into stainless steel to make it stronger, more flexible, and harder to scratch or wear down.

Hidden in combinations. In nature, manganese rarely stands alone. It's almost always found mixed with iron in rocks and minerals, and these combinations are mined from all around the world.

Oxidizing superpower. Manganese oxides, which form when manganese combines with oxygen, are like chemical powerhouses. They help make rubber tougher, add color and strength to glass, and even fight fungi on plants as a fungicide.

Battery and fertilizer booster. Beyond steel, manganese sulfate sprinkles into fertilizers to help crops grow, and manganese compounds power batteries in everything from toys to electric vehicles.