Zinc is a bluish-white, lustrous, diamagnetic metal with the chemical symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is the first element in group 12 of the periodic table and is chemically similar to the other two metals in the group, cadmium and mercury. Zinc is the 24th most abundant element in Earth's crust, representing 0.0075–0.0200% of the crust's composition. It is an essential trace element in human biology, playing critical roles in cellular metabolism, immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc deficiency affects about 2.2 billion people in the developing world and is associated with many diseases. In plants, zinc is a key constituent of many enzymes and proteins, influencing growth and development. The metal has been used by humans for millennia, with applications in brass production, galvanization, batteries, and as a micronutrient in fertilizers and animal feed. Zinc is nontoxic in low concentrations but can be harmful if inhaled or ingested in excessive amounts. The most common industrial uses of zinc include galvanizing steel to protect against corrosion, die casting of intricate machine parts, and producing brass and bronze alloys.
galvanization, micronutrient, enzymes, alloys, corrosion
CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Zinc.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=433537 (Accessed on July 03, 2025)"
Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a bluish-white, lustrous, and relatively soft metal that is widely used in various applications due to its unique properties. Zinc is the fourth most widely used metal in the world, after iron, aluminum, and copper. It is commonly used as a coating for steel and iron products to prevent corrosion, as well as in the production of brass, bronze, and other alloys. Zinc is also an essential nutrient for humans and animals, playing a crucial role in various biological processes. Zinc was first isolated as a separate element in the early 19th century by the Italian chemist Luigi Galvani. It is found in nature mainly as the mineral sphalerite, which is a zinc sulfide. Zinc is also present in a variety of other minerals, including smithsonite, hemimorphite, and franklinite. The largest producers of zinc are China, Peru, Australia, and the United States. Zinc has a number of unique properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. It has a low melting point and is highly malleable, which makes it easy to shape and form into various products. Zinc is also highly resistant to corrosion, which makes it an ideal coating material for steel and iron products. Additionally, zinc is a good conductor of electricity, which makes it useful in electrical applications.
Element, Metal, Corrosion, Alloy, Nutrient
Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a bluish-white, lustrous metal that is brittle at room temperature but becomes malleable and ductile when heated. Zinc is commonly found in nature as a component of minerals such as sphalerite, smithsonite, and hemimorphite. It is also produced by the reduction of zinc oxide with carbon or by electrolysis of zinc sulfate. Zinc has a wide range of applications in various industries. It is used as a coating for steel and iron to protect them from corrosion, a process known as galvanization. Zinc is also used in the production of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, which has a wide range of applications, including in musical instruments, plumbing fixtures, and decorative objects. Zinc oxide is used in the production of rubber, ceramics, and glass, as well as in the manufacture of sunscreens, ointments, and other pharmaceutical products. Zinc is an essential nutrient for human health, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes, including growth and development, immune function, and wound healing. Zinc deficiency can lead to a range of health problems, including delayed growth, impaired immune function, and skin disorders. Zinc supplements are commonly used to treat zinc deficiency and to support overall health and wellbeing.
chemical element, galvanization, brass, zinc oxide, human health
Zinc is a malleable, corrosion resistant metal that is often utilized in the construction of buildings. It is a common material used in architecture due to its low weight and relatively low cost. Zinc is used in both residential and commercial structures, where it can be found in roofing, cladding, ornaments and sculptures, window frames, and even interior fittings. Its durability and longevity make it an ideal choice for building components that are exposed to extreme weather conditions and high levels of humidity. Zinc is also used in the production of gutters, downspouts, and other rainwater systems, and its malleability allows it to be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. Durability, malleability, cost-effectiveness, corrosion resistance, and weight are essential characteristics that make zinc a popular choice in the field of architecture.
Weatherproofing, roofing, cladding, sculptures, window frames, interior fittings, rainwater systems, corrosion resistance, malleability, and cost-efficiency.
Masonry is a construction method utilizing the use of stone, brick, and mortar, among other materials. Zinc is a metal alloy that is increasingly being used in the construction of masonry structures, due to its unique properties. It is corrosion resistant, malleable, and highly durable, making it an ideal choice for masonry applications. Zinc is used to reinforce masonry structures, protect them from the elements, and provide a waterproof seal. It is also used to provide a decorative finish, and can be used in the casting of masonry shapes. Zinc can be used in the creation of masonry arches, columns, and walls, as well as in the construction of window frames, door frames, and other architectural features.
Corrosion, malleability, durability, reinforcement, waterproofing, casting, decorative, arches, columns, walls, frames, doors.
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