Manganese oxide refers to a group of chemical compounds that contain manganese and oxygen. These compounds can exist in various forms, with the most common being manganese(II) oxide (MnO) and manganese(IV) oxide (MnO₂). Manganese oxides are important in various industrial applications, including batteries, ceramics, and as catalysts in chemical reactions. In nature, manganese oxides are often found in minerals and play a role in soil chemistry and plant nutrition. They are also significant in the production of steel, where they help remove impurities and improve the overall quality of the metal.