Brittany Crone Zinc
A metallic chemical element Also known as speter Symbol is Zn Atomic number 30
In some ways chemically similar to magnesium 24 th most abundant element in the earth’s crust
Deposits Largest exploitable deposits are found in – Australia – Canada – United States – Asia
Zinc in the US
Ore Most exploited zinc ore is sphalerite – a zinc sulfide
It is found It is found in: – Water – Soil – Air – Food
Zinc Production Froth Floatation of the ore Roasting Final extraction using electricity
Old uses for Zinc Brass – cooper and zinc (since 10 th century BC) Unknown to Europe until 16 th century but was used by Alchemists who burned it in air to form “philosopher’s woo!” “Zinc Chloride”
Major Applications Corrosion- resistant zinc plating of steel (hot- dip galvanizing) Batteries Alloys such as brass
Zinc carbonate and glucomate (dietary supplements) Zinc chloride (deodorants) Zinc pyrithione (antidandruff shampoos) Zinc sulfide (luminescent clothing)
Bronze Various soldiers Nickel silver Galvanizing iron and other metals
Electric fuses Anodes Roofing Gutters Various household objects
Environmental Issues In children is causes – Growth retardation – Delayed sexual maturation – Infection susceptibility – Diarrhea
Contributing to the death of about 800,000 children world wide per year