25-Mn-Manganese

Manganese is the 25th element in the Periodic Table. Manganese (Mn) is the element before Iron (Fe). It is found in combination with many minerals and often with iron. It is a silvery grey metal and it resembles iron. I just spent time being confused between the element Magnesium (Mg-12) and Manganese (Mn-25). The two have similar names and both are biologically essential in all life forms. (Hence my confusion- See the post on Magnesium for its fascinating similarity to hemoglobin in the chlorophyll molecule). Many enzymes contain Manganese and in photosynthesis it helps free Oxygen. In humans it strengthens bones and is active in many different physiological processes.

Manganese Scale

Manganese Sound Sketch