10 Interesting Facts about Zinc

Those who observe and study science may have known these following facts about zinc since it’s very important, both for the body and for the world. Zinc, as some people know, is a metallic chemical element and chemically similar to magnesium, because its ion is of similar size and its only common oxidation state is +2. The most common zinc ore is sphalterite (zinc blende), a zinc sulfide mineral. To get to know more about it, here are some other facts about zinc you may like.

Facts about zinc 1: Physical Properties

Zinc, also referred to in nonscientific contexts as spelter, is a bluish-white, lustrous, diamagnetic metal, though most common commercial grades of the metal have a dull finish. It is somewhat less dense than iron and has a hexagonal crystal structure.

Facts about zinc 2: Occurence

Zinc makes up about 75 ppm (0.0075%) of the Earth’s crust, making it the 24th most abundant element. Soil contains 5–770 ppm of zinc with an average of 64 ppm.

Facts about zinc 3: Ancient Use

Various isolated examples of the use of impure zinc in ancient times have been discovered. Zinc ores were used to make the zinc–copper alloy brass many centuries prior to the discovery of zinc as a separate element.

Facts about zinc 4: Rasaratna Samuccaya

The Rasaratna Samuccaya, written in approximately the 13th century AD, mentions two types of zinc-containing ores; one used for metal extraction and another used for medicinal purposes.

Facts about zinc 5: Early Studies

Zinc was distinctly recognized as a metal under the designation of Yasada or Jasada in the medical Lexicon ascribed to the Hindu king Madanapala and written about the year 1374. Smelting and extraction of impure zinc by reducing calamine with wool and other organic substances was accomplished in the 13th century in India. The Chinese did not learn of the technique until the 17th century.

Facts about zinc 6: Mining

Zinc is the fourth most common metal in use, trailing only iron, aluminium, and copper with an annual production of about 12 million tonnes.

Facts about zinc 7: Environmental Impact

The production for sulfidic zinc ores produces large amounts of sulfur dioxide and cadmium vapor. Smelter slag and other residues of process also contain significant amounts of heavy metals.

Facts about zinc 8: Alloys

A widely used alloy which contains zinc is brass, in which copper is alloyed with anywhere from 3% to 45% zinc, depending upon the type of brass. Brass is generally more ductile and stronger than copper and has superior corrosion resistence. These properties make it useful in communication equipment, hardware, musical instruments, and water valves.

Facts about zinc 9: Industrial Uses

Roughly one quarter of all zinc output in the United States (2009), is consumed in the form of zinc compounds; a variety of which are used industrially. Zinc oxide is widely used as a white pigment in paints, and as a catalyst in the manufacture of rubber.

Facts about zinc 10: Dietary Supplement

Zinc is included in most single tablet over-the-counter daily vitamin and mineral supplements.

Hopefully those who are doing some research about zinc would find these zinc facts really useful and interesting.