Zinc (30)
- The element is normally found in association with other base metals such as copper and lead in ores.
- Zinc is chalophile, meaning the element has a low affinity for oxides and prefer to bond with sulfides.
- Sphalerite (ZnS) – which is form of zinc sulfide, is the most heavily mined zinc (60-62% Zinc).
- Other minerals from which zinc is extracted include:
- Smithsonite – Zinc Carbonate
- Hemimorphite – Zinc Silicate
- Wurtzite – Zinc Sulfide
- Hydrozincite – basic Zinc Carbonate
- Zinc reacts readily with acids, alkalis & other non-metals.
- Zinc is the fourth most common metal in use, after Iron, Aluminium & Copper.
- Commonly used as an anti-corrosion agent. The protection lasts even after the zinc layer is scratched.
- Efficient sacrificial anode in cathodic protection (CP). Also in Electroplating.
- Used as an anode material for batteries.
- Brass is 3% to 45% Zinc.
- Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) is a semiconductive alloy.