Zinc’s chemical symbol is Zn, and its atomic number is 30. It belongs to Group 12 of the periodic table and is sometimes classified as a transition metal. It melts at approximately 419.5 °C and boils at about 907 °C.

In the Earth’s crust, zinc is relatively abundant about 0.0075% by weight (roughly 75 parts per million), according to one source.

The most common ore of zinc is the mineral sphalerite (zinc sulfide).

Zinc is a chalcophile element, meaning it preferentially bonds with sulfur (and other heavier chalcogens) in minerals rather than oxygen.

A major application of zinc is galvanization, coating iron or steel with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. Zinc is the reason oil-based paints and primers do not adhere well to galvanized metal.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is used in numerous products including paints, sunscreens, ointments, and rubber manufacturing.

Zinc and copper together form the alloy known as brass.

The United States penny, since 1982, has been composed mostly of zinc (approximately 97.5%) with a thin copper coating.

Zinc is an essential trace element for humans, required for immune function, enzyme activity, and the senses of taste and smell.

The adult human body contains a few grams of zinc, typically around 2 to 3 grams.

The name “zinc” may originate from the German word Zinke, meaning “pointed,” referring to the spiky crystalline form of the metal.

More than half of all zinc produced is used to galvanize steel and iron.

Zinc is 100% recyclable with virtually no loss in quality during reuse. Like many metals, zinc has a high recycling rate, over 80% of all recyclable zinc is currently recovered.

Zinc reacts with acids, releasing hydrogen gas once its passive oxide or carbonate layer is removed.When exposed to moist air, zinc forms a thin protective layer of zinc carbonate (or mixed hydroxide–carbonate compounds) that slows further corrosion.

Zinc is the fourth most widely consumed metal after iron, aluminum, and copper.

Zinc oxide, when used as a white pigment, was historically known as “Chinese white” in paints.

When burned, zinc produces a bluish-green flame.

The term “spelter” is a commercial name for zinc metal, particularly in British usage.