Zinc with chemical formula (Zn) is a fairly abundant native element or metal in the earth’s crust, which is important because it has an infinite number of industrial, biological and medicinal applications, in addition, it is considered a key element to prevent the corrosion of objects made with zinc alloys.
At room temperature, the zinc is characterized by being brittle and bluish-white in color or tonality, however, when it is polished, the result is that it obtains a shiny appearance.
The zinc has had biological, chemical, and physical function. And metallurgy and galvanization processes have been used in alloy parts.
Finally it can be added that the zinc (Zn) is the fourth most consumed metal in the world, only after iron, aluminum and copper, all due to its anti-corrosion properties and the fact that it combines very well with other metals. This makes it attractive to the manufacturing industry.
Diagnostic properties of zinc
| Zinc | Properties, Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Zn |
| Cluster | native element |
| Color | metallic white |
| Gloss | Metal |
| Mohs hardness | two |
| Density or specific weight | 6.9 – 7.2 g/cm3(Measured) 7.135 g/cm3(Calculated) |
| crystalline system | Hexagonal |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| stripe color | slightly gray |
| Tenacity | Fragile |
| cleavage | Perfect |
| Fracture | rough |
| common impurities | Sn, Pb, Cd, Fe, Mn, B, Si, Cu, Ag, Ca, Ba |
Typically it is a material with little resistance, which is why it needs to be alloyed with other metals to have greater industrial applications that require load or mechanical stress.
It is a brittle and soft native mineral, in fact, its hardness on the Mohs scale is 2, but when it is made with alloys, it improves its hardness and resistance to impact.
Regarding its electrical and heat conductivity, it is considered to be moderate for a metal; however, its electrochemical properties make it interesting to be used in alkaline batteries and in albanization processes.
Where does the zinc come from?
This metal owes its origin mainly to a mineral called sphalerite, in fact, the largest global production of zinc comes from the extraction and processing of sphalerite which is a sulfide that has 67% zinc in its composition in its pure state.
Learn more about the importance of sphalerite and its properties by clicking here.
Properties and characteristics of zinc
Physical properties of zinc
| physical properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.10g/cm3 | 0.257 lbs/in3 |
| Melting point | 419.58°C | 787.24°F |
| Boiling point | 907°C | 1664°F |
Zinc is a bluish-white metal, with a somewhat shiny appearance, it is somewhat brittle and can be broken to the touch.
Its ordinary state under room temperature is solid and its density is equal to 7140 kg/m3.
Zinc is a diamagnetic metal, but when it reaches temperatures above 238 °C it acquires ferromagnetic properties.
Similarly, it has good thermal and electrical conductivity but at temperatures close to -272.09 °C it acquires superconducting properties.
The melting point temperature of zinc is 420 °C. While its boiling point is from 907 °C.
| Mechanical properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| tensile strength | 37MPa | 5370psi |
| modulus of elasticity | 96.5 GPa | 14000 ksi |
| Hardness, Vickers | 30 | 30 |
Chemical properties of zinc
| CAS number | 7440-66-6 |
| Thermal Neutron Cross Section | 1.06 barns/atom |
| electrode potential | -0.760V |
| ionic radius | 0.740 Å |
| electronegativity | 1.65 |
| X-ray absorption edge | 1.283 Å |
| electrochemical equivalent | 1,219g/A/h |
Atomically, this metal has 30 electrons equal to the number of protons and 35 neutrons.
Zinc has a moderate reactivity and as a reducing agent it is very potent.
This metal does not react to oxygen in low humidity environments. But it has reactions to bases, acids and other non-metallic compounds very easily.
Where it comes from and how it is extracted
Zinc is found relatively frequently in countries such as Australia, Canada, Peru, China and the United States, which control 70% of the production of this metal.
The obtaining is through open pit mining or underground mines, being the last one the best way to carry out the extraction activities.
The procedure begins by obtaining a rock and that must be crushed. From that point, two processes can be applied to produce this item.
The first is known as the dry method, which is used for minerals that contain a high concentration of iron.
This method is based on roasting the mineral to transform the sulfides into oxides and then applying a reduction with carbon.
While the wet way is based on roasting the minerals to be treated with sulfuric acid and obtaining bleaches.
In this sense, zinc sulfate is subjected to electrolysis with lead and aluminum, where pure zinc plates are obtained.
Where on the planet does it abound?
Zinc is abundant in the earth’s crustal soils, however, to locate it it is necessary to carry out deep drilling of 15 meters.
This metal is in the 23rd position among the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust, representing around 0.0075% of it.
The best-known minerals with a high content are blende, calamine, hemimorphite and franklinite.
Currently, its reserves are located at more than 2000 million tons.
Functions in the human body of zinc
Zinc is a trace element necessary for the body’s biochemical reactions, directly in the creation of bone and muscle tissue.
In addition, it has other important functions such as improving the development and functioning of the reproductive organs and regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands.
It also combats stress; In addition to protecting the liver.
Likewise, zinc is a component of insulin, and is also directly involved in the integral development of the body from the moment of pregnancy to youth.
Benefits in technology
In the aeronautical industry, this metal, together with carbon, is used for the production of batteries for missiles and space capsules due to its performance and low weight.
There are also zinc and air batteries, made for super computers in the military area.
In addition, zinc sulfide is important in the technology industry, since from this compound fluorescent lamps, luminous inks are manufactured and X-ray devices.
Benefits for humans
Many are the benefits of this metal to humanity, but its role in the health and life of living beings is always highlighted.
Its functions in our body are diverse and important, since it participates in relevant processes and its absence can mean serious damage to the nervous system.
Corrosion resistance
One of its most notable properties is its high resistance to corrosion, which makes it a very valuable element for the manufacture of metallic materials such as nails, wires, tubes, necessary for domestic and industrial tasks.
In the Galvanizing industry
Zinc is an important part of the modern metallurgical industry, since it is mostly used for galvanizing steel.
This process It is carried out to protect the steel from the direct incidence of air that may cause damage.
Zinc is a very reactive metal and at the same time it is noble, so its oxide can protect the ferrous surface.
Zinc uses
Historical uses
- Since it was possibly discovered by the German chemist Andreas Marggraf in 1746, zinc and zinc dioxide have been used as elements for medicinal purposes, meaning that it has always been known that this metal was important in the functions of the human body.
- In addition, it was also used to make brass, which basically consists of an alloy of zinc and copper.
Current Uses
- Due to its excellent anti-corrosion properties and the fact that it can be easily combined with other metals to form stronger alloys, zinc is currently the fourth most consumed metal on the planet.
- This means that approximately 50% of all the production of this metal is used in galvanizing, which consists of adding thin layers of zinc to iron and also to steel in order to prevent oxidation.
- Another primary application that zinc has is the possibility of generating strong alloys, zinc is combined with copper to produce “brass” and also with other materials that are used in the automotive industry, electronic and electrical components, and accessories for the home.
- Another use consists in the manufacture of zinc oxide, this chemical compound is of great importance because it is