Abstract: An economical metallic material for storage of hydrogen constituted by an intermetallic compound which exists as a Laves phase, has a hexagonal crystal structure of the MgZn.sub.2 type, (C14 type) and in which the crystal lattice parameters a and c are in the ranges a=4.80.about.5.10 (A) and c=7.88.about.8.28 (A). The material of the invention permits absorption of large amounts of hydrogen and efficient desorption thereof under close to normal temperature and pressure conditions, and for reduced cost of material preferably includes as principal components manganese and at least titanium or zirconium.