isotopes with far shorter half-lives and mass numbers ranging from 54 to 83 are known.

Zinc can be extracted from a number of mineral ores by roasting the ore to extract zinc oxide which is then reduced with a carbon source such as coal. Zinc can also be purified by electrolysis. The ores from which zinc is extracted include sphalerite, smithsonite and calamine.

The main use for pure zinc metal is in galvanizing other metals such as iron to prevent corrosion. This can be one by dipping the metal into molten zinc or by electrolysis. Zinc is also used in the production of dry-cell batteries.

Many alloys are made using zinc. In addition to brass these alloys include nickel silver, typewriter metal, German silver and spring brass. An alloy of zinc, lead and tin forms a low melting point solder used to join electrical contacts and metal pipe work. Another alloy, made of 78% zinc and 22% aluminum, is known by the trade name Prestal. This alloy is almost as strong as steel but can be molded like a plastic.

Zinc oxide is the most useful of the elements compounds. It has a long list of everyday uses from pharmaceuticals to paint to printing ink and storage batteries.

Another compound, zinc sulfide will low in the ark if treated with ultraviolet light, X-rays or electrons. This property has led to its usage in fluorescent light tubes, television tubes and luminous watch or instrument dials. Combined with barium sulfate, zinc sulfide forms the pigment lithopone.

The compound zinc chloride is used to prevent damage to wood by decay or insects.

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