mangaania

Mangaania is the Finnish term for manganese, the chemical element with symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is a light, silvery-gray transition metal that readily forms oxides and other compounds. Manganese is the twelfth most abundant element in Earth's crust and occurs in minerals such as pyrolusite (MnO2), braunite, and rhodochrosite. Most commercial manganese is extracted from oxide and carbonate ores and refined by smelting to produce metallic manganese and manganese alloys.

Industrially, manganese is essential in steelmaking. It acts as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer, improving toughness, hardness, and wear resistance. It is also used in aluminum alloys to prevent cracking, in various manganese-based ferrite magnets, and in battery chemistries, including manganese dioxide in alkaline batteries and lithium manganese oxides in some lithium-ion batteries. Beyond metals, manganese compounds serve as pigments and catalysts in chemical processes.

Manganese is an essential trace element for humans and many other organisms. It participates in enzymatic reactions, including manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase, and supports bone formation and metabolism. Dietary needs vary by age and sex, but adequate intake is generally achieved through a balanced diet that includes grains, nuts, legumes, leafy vegetables, and tea. Excess manganese intake or inhalation of manganese-containing dust or fumes can cause health issues, notably neurological effects resembling manganism, and are a concern in mining and manufacturing settings.

Environmentally, manganese occurs naturally in soils and water, and industrial activities can release manganese compounds. Regulatory standards govern occupational exposure and environmental discharge to limit potential health and ecological impacts.