MANGANESE (small cabinet)

Manganese, represented by the symbol Mn and holding the atomic number 25, is a hard, brittle, silvery metal commonly found in conjunction with iron in various minerals. This transition metal was first isolated in the 1770s and is widely utilized in industrial alloys, especially in the production of stainless steel, where it enhances strength, workability, and wear resistance. Manganese oxide serves multiple purposes, including acting as an oxidizing agent, a rubber additive, and a component in glass manufacturing, fertilizers, and ceramics. Additionally, manganese sulfate is employed as a fungicide.

Beyond its industrial applications, manganese is a vital dietary element for humans, playing a significant role in macronutrient metabolism, bone development, and the body's defense against free radicals. It is an essential part of numerous proteins and enzymes, primarily concentrated in the bones, as well as in the liver, kidneys, and brain. In the brain, manganese is associated with manganese metalloproteins, particularly glutamine synthetase found in astrocytes.