by Joe Barrette

Created on: January 06, 2009

Zinc is a very important element. It is needed by the human body at a steady rate for proper taste, smell, and growth. It is also a very important element for pregnant mothers, to have a healthy baby, and in young children. Most foods with proteins also contain Zinc. Too much Zinc in the body, since the body has no storage for it can cause ataxia, lethargy, and copper deficiency.

Zinc is metallic with an atomic number of 30 and the symbol Zn. The element is a pale blue color and tarnishes in moist air. In non-scientific terms it is referred to as spelter. In it's natural form it has five stable isotopes. It naturally occurs in the Earth's crust and is the 23rd most abundant element. When it is burned it gives off a bright bluish-green color.

At the current rate of consumption there is about a 46 year supply left in the earth, but many scientists predict there is only about a 20-30 year supply left.

Zinc is used mostly as an anti-corrosion coating for iron and steel, and is also used in electrical and automotive hardware. Another major use of Zinc is in current American pennies, after copper pennies were discontinued. Because of it's electro-chemistry it is used in a wide variety of batteries.

Zinc is located in the element category transition metals. It is a solid with a melting point of 692.68 degrees K and a boiling point of 1180 degrees K. It has a hexagonal crystal structure.

Zinc is a vital part of construction, food production, pharmaceuticals, and human health. It aids cell division in the body, aids fertility, vision, hair, skin, nails, and helps the immune system. Zinc is also a main component in brass.

Zinc has been used by cultures since the early Roman Empire and used a lot in India since 1200 AD. However, it was not incorporated in European culture until the late 18th century.

Zinc is used in many other things such as Zinc Oxide which is used as a pigment, as an activator in the rubber industry, and as an ointment for skin. It is used in Zinc Chloride, which is used in deodorants and wood preservers, and in Zinc Sulfide which is used to make luminescent materials, it is used in Calamine lotion to treat skin rashes. Zinc gluconate glycine and Zinc Acetate are used in throat soothers or tablets to help cure colds. Zinc Lactate is used in toothpaste, and Zinc Pyrithione is used in anti-dandruff shampoos. Zinc powder is used in solid rocket fuel.

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