ZINC METAL PROPERTIES: USES/APPLICATIONS: SUSTAINABILITY

Introduction

Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and its atomic number is 30. It is a slightly brittle metal at room temperature and has a shiny grayish appearance when oxidation is removed. It is the first element in group 12 (2nd B) of the periodic table. In some respects zinc is chemically similar to magnesium, both elements have the same oxidation number (+2).

Zinc plays a vital role chemically and biologically. Zinc is an important mineral for humans, plants, animals, and for microorganisms. Zinc is also an essential nutrient, it plays an enzymatic action. Zinc is an essential trace element in human body, where it is found in higher concentration in red blood cells as an essential part of enzyme carbonic anhydrase

A little more abundant zinc makes up an average of 65 grams (2.3 ounces) of every ton of earth’s crust. The chief zinc mineral is sulfide sphalerite (zinc blend).

The early 21st century producers of zinc are Australia, China, and Peru.