Manganese (Mn) is a shiny transition metal named for the Magnesia region of Greece, where the ores from which it was isolated were mined, as is the case with the element magnesium (Mg). It is hard and brittle, and often found alongside iron in nature.

Manganese is vital element in biology, being found in numerous enzymes and proteins, as well as playing a roll in photosynthesis. Despite this, it is neurotoxic in excess in mammals. The principal uses of maganese are in steel alloys, in pigments, where it contributes to green and pink hues, and its principal use in batteries, from which it can be obtained.

Start with some manganese dioxide, rinsed thoroughly and dried.

Mix this in a 12 to 5 ratio with powdered aluminum, which you can make by shredding aluminum foil in a blender or coffee grinder. You will be igniting a VERY hot thermite reaction with this mixture, so the next step should be performed outdoors on concrete. An oven pan or an empty paint can will work as a flat surface to avoid staining the concrete.

Use a magnesium fuse or a sparkler to ignite the mixture and allow it to burn. Once the reaction has completed, cover it with a large can. Once it has cooled, you can chip the product apart and locate the beads of manganese metal amongst the aluminum oxide.

A video demonstrating this process is available online.