Difference Between Manganese and Magnesium

Key Difference – Manganese vs. Magnesium

Magnesium (Mg) and Manganese (Mn) have similar sounding names; they are bothmetallic elementsin theperiodic tableand they are both essential nutrients needed by the human body. The key difference between Manganese and Magnesium is that the Manganese (Mn) is atransition metalin the d-block of the periodic table, whereas Magnesium (Mg) is analkaline earth metalin s-block. Both Magnesium and Manganese have similar uses as well, but their function and properties are different. For example, both are used inalloys, but their properties and applications are not similar. They are both required for the human body, but they have different roles.

What is Manganese?

锰是a d-block element, and it is a member of transition metals. It is a steel grayish, hard, denser and brittle metallic element that is difficult to cut, shape or bend in its pure form. Manganese is not available in pure form in nature; it always combines with oxygen or with other elements. The most common examples of Manganese ores are; pyrolusite, manganite, psilomelane, and rhodochrosite. In addition, it can be found iniron ores. Manganese is relatively active metal, and it shows severaloxidationstates; +7, +6, +4, +3, +2, 0, -1.

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium isa silvery-white, very light metallic element in group II of the periodic table. Its crystal structure is hexagonal. Magnesium is a relatively soft metal, but it is strong. Therefore, alloys containing Magnesium are relatively soft and strong. It is very reactive; reacts with almost all acids and most of the non-metals. But its reactivity with organic substances is very low. Magnesium does not show multiple oxidation states; its oxidation number is +2.

What is the difference between Manganese and Magnesium?

Properties of Manganese and magnesium:

Property	Manganese	Magnesium
Symbol	Mn	Mg
State	Solid	Solid
原子序数	25	12
Group	Transition metals	Alkaline Earth Metal
Melting Point	1246°C (22750F)	650°C (1202°F)
Boiling Point	2061°C (3742°F)	1090°C (1994°F)
Density	7.3g.cm-3	1.74 g.cm-3at 20 °C

Abundance:

锰:锰是one of the denser elements which occurs in nature as a free trace element. Mostly, it is also found combined with iron.

Magnesium:Magnesium is also an abundant element on earth, next to iron, silicon, and oxygen. Magnesium is not originally found on the Earth, it is created in the process of dying of a star, which is called asupernova. In this process, it explodes out to the universe and returns these elements into other planets.

Alloys:

锰:Manganese mostly combines with steel is used as an industrial alloy. This product is the less expensive category of stainless steel. Manganese is added more strength and fewer corrosion properties to alloys. In addition, it is used with aluminum providing corrosion resistance properties.

Magnesium:Magnesium gives lightness and strength to its alloys. It is also used with aluminum, having corrosion resistance properties.

Effect of Deficiency on Human Health:

锰:If our body doesn’t get the required quantity of Manganese, it may cause muscle weakness, seizures of infertility. In some cases, it may result in diabetes,arthritis, andosteoporosis. Manganese deficiency in women may have severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms, such as abdominal cramps or mood swings.

Magnesium:Health problems related to lack of manganese intake are trouble sleeping,heart arrhythmia, vomiting, muscles pains, and nausea. This can be avoided by increasing magnesium intake. It helps to lower the risk of heart failure, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure.

Image Courtesy:

1.Electron shell 025 Manganese – no labelBy commons: User: Pumbaa (original work by commons:User:Greg Robson) [CC BY-SA 2.0 uk], via Wikimedia Commons

2.Electron shell 012 Magnesium – no labelBy commons: User: Pumbaa (original work by commons:User:Greg Robson) [CC BY-SA 2.0 uk], via Wikimedia Commons