Zinc
🛡️ In Your World
Zinc is a protective metal. Its most common use is for galvanizing steel—coating it with a layer of zinc to prevent rust. You see this on street signs, guard rails, and nails. It's also mixed with copper to make the alloy brass. As an essential nutrient, zinc is vital for a healthy immune system, and zinc oxide is a common ingredient in sunscreens.
📖 The Discovery Story
Zinc ores were used to make brass by the ancient Romans and Greeks, but the pure metal was not widely produced until much later. It was isolated in India by the 13th century. In 1746, German chemist Andreas Marggraf is credited with rediscovering the pure element by heating calamine and carbon. The name "zinc" likely comes from the German word Zinke, meaning "prong" or "tooth," possibly describing the shape of zinc crystals.
📊 Properties at a Glance
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Melting Point | 419.53 °C / 787.15 °F |
| Boiling Point | 907 °C / 1665 °F |
| Electron Configuration | [Ar] 3d¹⁰4s² |
| Abundance in Earth's Crust | 0.0075% |
⚠️ Safety & Handling
Zinc is an essential nutrient, and deficiency can cause health problems. However, excess zinc is also toxic. Inhaling zinc oxide fumes, often produced during welding of galvanized steel, can cause a flu-like illness called metal fume fever.