Manganese is a chemical element with symbol Mn and atomic number 25. Manganese is not found as a free element in nature; Manganese is often found in combination with iron, and in many minerals. Manganese is a metal with important industrial metal alloy uses, particularly in stainless steels. Manganese is a silvery-gray metal that resembles iron. Manganese is hard and very brittle, difficult to fuse, but easy to oxidize.
Manganese is essential to iron and steel production by virtue of its sulfur-fixing, deoxidizing, and alloying properties. Steelmaking, including its iron making component, has accounted for most manganese demand, presently in the range of 85% to 90% of the total demand. Among a variety of other uses, manganese is a key component of low-cost stainless steel formulations.

Manganese is a chemical element with symbol Mn and atomic number 25. Manganese is not found as a free element in nature; Manganese is often found in combination with iron, and in many minerals. Manganese is a metal with important industrial metal alloy uses, particularly in stainless steels. Manganese is a silvery-gray metal that resembles iron. Manganese is hard and very brittle, difficult to fuse, but easy to oxidize.
Manganese is essential to iron and steel production by virtue of its sulfur-fixing, deoxidizing, and alloying properties. Steelmaking, including its iron making component, has accounted for most manganese demand, presently in the range of 85% to 90% of the total demand. Among a variety of other uses, manganese is a key component of low-cost stainless steel formulations.