Facts about Element Zinc
Zinc, a transition metal found in many mineral ores, is essential for the normal functioning of the body. Deficiency of zinc can lead to numerous health problems. Read on to understand more facts about the element zinc.
The element zinc is a transition metal, with atomic number 30 and atomic weight 65.39. It is symbolized by 'Zn' and is placed in the first-row, group 12 of the modern periodic table. The oxidation number of zinc is +2; this is the reason why the chemical properties of zinc are very much similar to magnesium. Zinc can be easily identified by its bluish color and lustrous appearance. Zinc, in nonscientific terms, is referred to as spelter; the name zinc is originated from the German word zin, which means tin. Here are some interesting facts about the element zinc.
Facts about Element Zinc
The element zinc was known as early as the prehistoric times, which was evident from the material remnants (statues, ornaments) of the past. Prior to the discovery of zinc element, the ores of zinc were used for manufacturing brass (an alloy of copper and zinc). It is claimed that brass has been used since the 10th century BC by many cultures including the Greeks, Asians, Romans and Chinese.
Though zinc was isolated for the first time in 1742 by Anton von Swab, the credit for its discovery goes to Andreas Marggraf, a German chemist, who isolated pure metallic zinc from calamine in 1746. Since then, several research studies have been conducted about the isolation techniques of metallic zinc. Today, Nyrster is the world's largest zinc producing company that contributes to about 70 percent of the total zinc production.
In total, there are 21 isotopes (different forms of the same element) of the element zinc, of which 5 are identified stable ones. The stable isotopes of zinc are found naturally. Speaking about the isolation of zinc element, there are many ores of zinc. To mention a few, zinc ores include sphalerite (zinc sulfide), calamine (zinc silicate), smithsonite (zinc carbonate), hydrozincite (zinc carbonate) and wurzite (zinc sulfide).
The most common procedures followed for the isolation of zinc are in the order; froth flotation (separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances) of the zinc ore, followed by roasting at higher temperatures producing zinc oxide. Finally, the element zinc is isolated from the oxide form by means of electricity.
The melting point of zinc is 419.58 °C, whereas its boiling point is 907.0 °C. Its crystal structure is hexagonal in shape. Zinc has a specific gravity of 7.133 (25°C). Like other transition metals, it is malleable and ductile and a good conductor of electricity. However, it is to be noted that zinc element is brittle at room temperature; the properties of malleability and ductility are applicable only when it is being heated to a temperature of about 100-150°C.
Zinc is identified as the 24th most abundant element found in the Earth's crust, and also the fourth most commonly used element. The uses of zinc are many; it is used for manufacturing many alloys such as brass, bronze, nickel silver, German silver, aluminum solder etc. It is also used in galvanizing other metals to prevent corrosion.
Zinc is used in numerous industries, including electrical, hardware, automotive, cosmetics, rubber, plastic, batteries and also in the pharmaceutical industry. Regarding the health importance, it is an essential mineral, responsible for many metabolic processes in the human body. Zinc deficiency can cause certain diseases and disorders; in children, it can lead to diarrhea, growth retardation and a weak immune system. Excessive zinc, on the other hand, can cause lethargy and copper deficiency.
Facts about Element Zinc
The element zinc was known as early as the prehistoric times, which was evident from the material remnants (statues, ornaments) of the past. Prior to the discovery of zinc element, the ores of zinc were used for manufacturing brass (an alloy of copper and zinc). It is claimed that brass has been used since the 10th century BC by many cultures including the Greeks, Asians, Romans and Chinese.
Though zinc was isolated for the first time in 1742 by Anton von Swab, the credit for its discovery goes to Andreas Marggraf, a German chemist, who isolated pure metallic zinc from calamine in 1746. Since then, several research studies have been conducted about the isolation techniques of metallic zinc. Today, Nyrster is the world's largest zinc producing company that contributes to about 70 percent of the total zinc production.
In total, there are 21 isotopes (different forms of the same element) of the element zinc, of which 5 are identified stable ones. The stable isotopes of zinc are found naturally. Speaking about the isolation of zinc element, there are many ores of zinc. To mention a few, zinc ores include sphalerite (zinc sulfide), calamine (zinc silicate), smithsonite (zinc carbonate), hydrozincite (zinc carbonate) and wurzite (zinc sulfide).
The most common procedures followed for the isolation of zinc are in the order; froth flotation (separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances) of the zinc ore, followed by roasting at higher temperatures producing zinc oxide. Finally, the element zinc is isolated from the oxide form by means of electricity.
The melting point of zinc is 419.58 °C, whereas its boiling point is 907.0 °C. Its crystal structure is hexagonal in shape. Zinc has a specific gravity of 7.133 (25°C). Like other transition metals, it is malleable and ductile and a good conductor of electricity. However, it is to be noted that zinc element is brittle at room temperature; the properties of malleability and ductility are applicable only when it is being heated to a temperature of about 100-150°C.
Zinc is identified as the 24th most abundant element found in the Earth's crust, and also the fourth most commonly used element. The uses of zinc are many; it is used for manufacturing many alloys such as brass, bronze, nickel silver, German silver, aluminum solder etc. It is also used in galvanizing other metals to prevent corrosion.
Zinc is used in numerous industries, including electrical, hardware, automotive, cosmetics, rubber, plastic, batteries and also in the pharmaceutical industry. Regarding the health importance, it is an essential mineral, responsible for many metabolic processes in the human body. Zinc deficiency can cause certain diseases and disorders; in children, it can lead to diarrhea, growth retardation and a weak immune system. Excessive zinc, on the other hand, can cause lethargy and copper deficiency.
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