Properties and Overview of Zinc

Overview:

Zinc (Zn) is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a bluish-silver metal that is moderately hard and brittle at room temperature but malleable when heated. As one of the essential trace elements, zinc is vital for human health, participating in numerous enzymatic reactions and biological processes. Zinc has a melting point of 419.5°C and a boiling point of 907°C. It is a good conductor of electricity, though not as effective as copper or aluminum. The density of zinc is about 7.14 g/cm³. In its pure form, zinc exhibits a dull finish due to rapid oxidation, forming a protective zinc carbonate layer.
Chemically, zinc is a moderately reactive metal. It reacts with oxygen and other non-metals, forming compounds like zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc sulfide (ZnS). In acidic solutions, zinc readily reacts with hydrogen ions to produce hydrogen gas. Zinc's oxidation state in most of its compounds is +2.
While zinc is essential for health, excessive exposure can be hazardous. Inhalation of zinc fumes or dust can lead to "metal fume fever", characterized by flu-like symptoms. Ingestion of high doses of zinc can cause nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. Handling zinc and its compounds generally requires standard safety measures, including gloves and masks to avoid direct contact and inhalation.

Production:

Zinc is primarily produced from zinc sulfide ores, such as sphalerite. The extraction process usually involves roasting the ore to convert zinc sulfide into zinc oxide, followed by carbon or carbon monoxide reduction. Electrolytic refining is then used to purify the metal. Major zinc-producing countries include China, Peru, and Australia.

Applications:

Zinc is utilized across a variety of industries due to its versatile properties. One of its most common uses is galvanization, where it is applied as a protective coating to prevent the rusting of steel and iron. Zinc is also essential in producing alloys such as brass and bronze. In addition, zinc oxide is used in the rubber industry, in cosmetics, and as a protective skin ointment. Zinc sulfide is employed in luminescent paints and X-ray screens. Moreover, zinc plays a crucial role in agriculture as a micronutrient in fertilizers.

Summary:

Zinc is a remarkable element with broad applications in industrial processes and biological systems, though care is necessary to manage its risks appropriately.

See a comprehensive list of atomic, electrical, mechanical, physical and thermal properties for zinc below: