Manganese Dioxide 55%: Specifications, COA Results and Uses of Natural Manganese Ore Powder

Manganese dioxide (MnO₂) occurs in nature as the mineral pyrolusite, the most common manganese ore. Ground to a fine powder, it is used to colour bricks and ceramics, as an oxidising agent in metal and chemical processing, and as a raw material for other manganese chemicals.

Kant Exim supplies natural manganese ore powder graded at 54–56% MnO₂ (sold as the 55% grade), ground to 200 mesh and packed in 50 kg HDPE bags. This guide shows the actual certificate of analysis (COA) results for a recent lot, explains what each figure means, and covers which uses this grade suits, packing and safe handling.

Product at a glance

Property	Value
Product	Manganese dioxide 55% (natural manganese ore powder)
Other names	Pyrolusite, manganese(IV) oxide
Chemical formula	MnO₂
Molecular weight	86.94
CAS No.	1313-13-9
Grade	54–56% MnO₂
Form	Black fine powder, 200 mesh
HS code	2820 10
Packing	50 kg HDPE bags

COA results: what our manganese dioxide 55% tests at

The table below is from the certificate of analysis of a recent lot. Results are on a sample dried at 105 °C, so they are on a dry basis. Every lot is dispatched with its own COA.

Parameter	Grade / typical	Result
Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)	54 – 56%	55.73%
Manganese (Mn)	35 – 40%	36.59%
Iron (Fe)	Below 15%	10.62%
Fineness	200 mesh	89.56% passing 200 mesh
Appearance	Black / blackish-brown powder	Black fine powder

Silica (SiO₂) for this grade is typically below 15% and moisture below 1%. Tell us if you need either figure guaranteed on the COA.

This lot was packed in 540 HDPE bags of 50 kg net, 27 tonnes in all: a full 20 ft container load.

What the numbers mean

MnO₂ and Mn: two different figures

MnO₂ is the share of manganese present as manganese dioxide, the form that does the oxidising. Mn is the total manganese, including any in lower oxides.

Pure MnO₂ is 63.2% manganese, so the 55.73% MnO₂ in this lot accounts for about 35.2% Mn. The remaining 1.4% or so of the 36.59% total is manganese in other oxides. Buyers who use the powder as an oxidant usually price on MnO₂; buyers making manganese chemicals often look at Mn.

Iron

Natural ore always contains some iron oxide. At 10.62% this lot is well within the 15% limit. Iron gives the powder a slightly browner tone and does no harm in bricks, ceramics or most chemical uses, but it rules this grade out where low iron is essential, such as glass decolourising and batteries.

Mesh size

A 200-mesh sieve has openings of about 75 microns. With 89.56% passing, almost all of the powder is finer than that. Fine powder disperses evenly in clay and glazes and reacts faster in chemical processes. Other mesh sizes can be ground on request.

Dry basis

The COA figures are for a sample dried at 105 °C. Moisture in the powder as delivered is typically below 1%, so it makes little difference to the figures you pay for.

Which grade do you need?

Manganese dioxide is sold in very different grades. Make sure the grade matches your use:

Grade	Typical MnO₂	Main uses
Natural ore powder (this product)	50 – 85%	Bricks and ceramics colouring, oxidant in processing, manganese chemicals
Chemical manganese dioxide (CMD)	about 85 – 90%	Dry cells, catalysts
Electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD)	about 91 – 92%, very low iron	Alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries

Our 55% grade is a cost-effective natural powder. It is not a battery grade.

Where manganese dioxide 55% is used

• Bricks, tiles, terracotta and pottery: mixed into clay bodies to give brown to black colours, and used in glazes for brown, black and purple tones.
• Oxidising agent in metal processing: in zinc and other hydrometallurgical plants, MnO₂ oxidises dissolved iron so it can be removed from the solution.
• Manganese chemicals: a raw material for manganese sulphate, which is used as a fertilizer micronutrient and in animal feed. The ore is reduced and then leached with sulphuric acid.
• Chemical oxidation: a low-cost oxidant in other industrial processes.

Packing and shipping

The powder is packed in 50 kg HDPE bags. A 20 ft container takes about 540 bags (27 tonnes). If you need different packing, ask us.

Manganese dioxide is usually not classed as a dangerous good for transport; the safety data sheet for each lot confirms this. On customs classification, we ship under HS 2820 10 (manganese dioxide). Some importing countries classify natural ore powder under HS 2602 (manganese ores), so check with your customs broker before the first shipment.

Handling and safety

• Avoid breathing the dust. Manganese dust is harmful if inhaled, and long-term exposure can affect the nervous system. Use dust masks (P2 / N95 or better) and local dust extraction where the powder is tipped or mixed.
• Wear protective equipment: safety goggles, gloves and long-sleeved work clothes.
• Keep it away from combustible materials and reducing agents. MnO₂ is an oxidiser.
• Never mix it with concentrated hydrochloric acid except in a controlled process: the reaction releases chlorine gas.
• Store bags dry and off the floor, and keep them closed to stop dust spreading.

The full MSDS / SDS comes with every order. Read our guide to what to check in an SDS.

Documents with every order

• Certificate of analysis (COA) for the lot supplied: see how to read a COA
• Material safety data sheet (MSDS / SDS)
• Invoice and packing list, plus the export documents your country requires

Request a quote

To get an accurate price, send us:

1. Quantity, and whether it is a one-time or a regular requirement
2. Grade: the MnO₂ % you need and any maximum for iron or silica
3. Mesh size, if different from 200 mesh
4. Delivery location, or your destination port

See the Manganese Dioxide product page for packing and minimum order, or contact us for a quote.