What is Zinc

Zinc is a transition metal denoted by the chemical symbol Zn. It is brittle at room temperature, but turns malleable above 100 °C ^{[1, 3]}. It is also used in the form of powder and dust. It has 25 isotopes with mass numbers ranging from 57 to 83 of which only Zn-66, Zn-67, and Zn-68 have a stable half-life ^[3].

Where is Zinc Found

It exists in several ores like zinc blende and calamine, commonly found in mining areas of Australia, China, and Peru. The ores are generally roasted and then reduced by heating with carbon or electrolysis.

History

Origin of its Name: It is a German name that might be derived from the Persian word ‘sing’, meaning stone.

Who Discovered it: Andreas Sigismund Marggraf

When, Where, and How was Zinc Discovered

Although the metal was sometimes used by the Romans, it was identified in the smelting waste of an unknown compound at Zawar, Rajasthan, India. The period from 1100 to 1500 the waste products were commercially refined to extract it. The same process was also carried in the 1500’s in China. In fact, when a cargo was retrieved from a sunken East India Company ship, pure zinc ingots were found.

In 1668, P.Moras De Respour, a Flemish metallurgist claimed to extract zinc from its oxide. However, the Europeans believe its actual discoverer is Marggaf who identified it as new metal in 1746.

Identification
Atomic number	30 [1]
CAS number	7440-66-6 [1]
Position in the periodic table [1]	Group	Period	Block
	12	4	d

Classification, Properties and Characteristics of Zinc

General Properties
Relative atomic mass	65.38 [1]
Atomic mass/weight	65.38 atomic mass units [4]
Molar mass	65.38 g/mole [5]
Mass number	65
Physical Properties
Color/physical appearance	Silver-white with a blue tinge[1]
Texture
Melting point/freezing point	419.527°C (787.149°F) [1]
Boiling point	907°C (1665°F)  [1]
Density	7.134 g/cm3 [1]
Standard state at room temperature (solid/liquid/gas)	Solid [1]
Thermal conductivity	116 Wm-1K-1 [3]
Electrical conductivity	16.9 x 106 S m-1 [3]
Specific heat capacity	0.39 J/g°C [9]
Solubility	Soluble in water and alcohol
Resistivity	5.5×10-8Ω⋅m [14]
Chemical Properties
Flammability		Yes [5]
Oxidation state/Oxidation number		(+1), +2 [1]

Atomic Data of Zinc (Element 30)

What is Zinc Commonly Used for

• It’s most important application is galvanization where metals like iron subjected to rusting and damage are plated or coated with Zn flakes. Galvanized steel is used in the manufacturing of eye bolts, nails, cases, lamp posts, pipes, screws, knobs, fasteners, suspension bridges, and safety barriers ^[1].
• Zinc-air batteries where carbon, nickel, copper, iron, or bromine is used as the cathode come with a long shelf-life and high energy that help in the operation of electric vehicles and utility-scale storage systems ^[11]. In some rechargeable cells required for hearing aid and fuel generators, zinc sponge (porous zn) is used ^[13].
• Die castings made of molten Zn are used in automobiles, skateboards, and electrical and hardware equipment ^[1].
• It is used in the alloys like aluminum solder, brass, and nickel silver through a process called electroplating ^[1]. Zinc-nickel plating alloys lend a smooth finish when applied on several vehicle parts like wheels ^[12]. The oxide and chromate of the element, known as yellow zinc and black zinc respectively, have the same application.
• It works as an effective catalyst in the polymerization of lactides ^[15].
• Its sheets are used in covering tabletops, countertops, guttering, flashings, claddings and sliding to prevent corrosion ^[17].
• The metal is used in making kitchen sinks, planters, wall shelves, mirror frames, washers, wires, coins/pennies, and rods.
• Roofs lined with zinc strips and panels help in preventing moss growth.
• Zinc-rich paints comprising of the metallic dust and organic/inorganic binders are used in painting and spraying steel ^[16].
• The metal anode is one of the constituents of boats used as a protection against corrosion ^[18].
• As a substitute for deuterium, zinc is used for making lamps and lantern due to its long life, excellent thermal stability, and high energy peak ^[19].
• It also finds application in jewelry-making.
• Zn is an active ingredient in ointments, creams, and pills.

Does the Element 30 Have Any Toxic Effects

There many natural food sources, including fruits and vegetables with zinc content that are consumed on a regular basis. However, direct ingestion of metallic element affect the digestive system causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as a result of an allergic reaction. Constant accumulation in kidneys and lungs can have serious damaging effects ^[20].

Interesting Facts

• Zn though not magnetic can interact with a magnetic field as result of flow of small electric currents, exhibiting some amount of magnetism ^[10].
• About 2.5 g of the metal is present in a normal human body ^[1].
• Its alchemical symbol represented by an abstract background draws inspiration from roofing materials made from it ^[1].

Zinc Price

The pure/raw metal costs anywhere between $1.6 and $1.7 per gram.

References
1. http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/30/zinc
2. https://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele030.html
3. https://www.chemicool.com/elements/zinc.html
4. https://hobart.k12.in.us/ksms/PeriodicTable/zinc.htm
5. https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/2021.pdf
6. http://periodictable.com/Properties/A/Valence.al.html
7. http://www.knowledgedoor.com/2/elements_handbook/zinc.html
8. http://chemistry-reference.com/q_elements.asp?Symbol=Zn
9. http://www2.ucdsb.on.ca/tiss/stretton/database/specific_heat_capacity_table.html
10. https://terpconnect.umd.edu/~wbreslyn/magnets/is-zinc-magnetic.html
11. https://www.mpoweruk.com/zinc_air.htm
12. Machinedesign.com
13. https://cen.acs.org/articles/95/i18/Zinc-sponge-protects-rechargeable-battery.html
14. https://www.radio-electronics.com/info/formulae/resistance/resistivity-table.php
15. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja0359512
16. https://galvanizeit.org/corrosion/corrosion-protection/zinc-coatings/zinc-rich-paint
17. https://www.belmontmetals.com/product-category/zinc-sheet-for-countertop/
18. http://www.barnaclebusters.com/importance-zinc-anodes-boats-change/
19. Uvp.com
20. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=300&tid=54