Manganese is a chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is a gray-white metal that is hard and brittle, and it is primarily used in steel production to improve strength and durability. Manganese is also an essential trace element for humans, playing a role in bone formation and metabolism. In nature, manganese is found in various minerals, such as pyrolusite, which is the main ore of manganese. It is commonly extracted through mining and is used in batteries, fertilizers, and as a pigment in glass and ceramics. Manganese is vital for many industrial processes and biological functions.