Potassium Permanganate or chameleon mineral is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula KMnO4. It is a salt consisting of K+ and MnO4− ions. it is a strong oxidizing agent. It dissolves in water to give intense purple solutions, the evaporation of which gives prismatic purplish-black glistening crystals.

Almost all applications of Potassium Permanganate exploit its oxidizing properties. As a strong oxidant that does not generate toxic byproducts, KMnO4 has many niche uses. It is one of the principal chemicals used in the film and television industries to "age" props and set dressings. Its oxidising effects create "hundred year old" or "ancient" looks on hessian cloth, ropes, timber and glass.

For disinfectant and water treatment uses, as an oxidant, Potassium Permanganate can act as an antiseptic. It is used extensively in the water treatment industry. It is used as a regeneration chemical to remove iron and hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell) from well water via a "Manganese Greensand" Filter. "Pot-Perm" is also obtainable at pool supply stores, is used additionally to treat waste water. Historically it was used to disinfect drinking water.

For biomedical uses, it is often employed as a specialized disinfectant for treating human and animal ailments.

For fruit preservation, addition of Potassium Permanganate substrated to banana shipments adsorbs the ethylene and doubles the fruit ripening period.

For survival kits uses, it is used as a fire starter, water sterilizer and for creating distress signals on snow.