Zinc (Zn) is a transition metal integral to health, environment and technology. It's forged in the crucible of stars through nuclear fusion. Use of zinc in metallurgy and human existence goes back thousands of years.
Zinc is found in the Earth's crust as sulfide ores like sphalerite (ZnS). Though its existence is known much earlier, used in ancient alchemy and more, official discovery is attributed to Andreas Marggraf in 1746, who isolates zinc in pure form
Ancient civilizations such as the Romans and Greeks use zinc in brass, a copper alloy, for decorative objects and armor. Zinc compounds are also used in ancient medicine. By c. 800 AD, the Chinese extract zinc for alloys.
Scientific Properties and Extraction
Zinc is a bluish-white, lustrous transition metal relatively brittle at room temperature. It becomes malleable and ductile when heated.
Zinc is the 23rd most abundant element in the earth's crust. Over 13 million metric tons are extracted annually. In tonnage it's fourth among metals in world production, after iron, aluminum and copper.
Its atomic number is 30 and its atomic weight is 65.38. Atomic number is the amount of protons in the nucleus of an atom. These determine chemical properties of an element.
Zinc reacts readily with acids, producing hydrogen gas used in industry. Zinc is part of numerous biological processes. It's an important trace element in the human body.
The name zinc comes from German Zinke, meaning tooth or fang, referring to the sharp, tooth-like crystals in zinc furnaces. The term is first applied by Paracelsus in the 15th century.
It has a relatively low melting point of 420°C (788°F) and a boiling point of 907°C (1665°F). Comparatively, tin melts at 232°C and boils at 2602 °C. Melting point of silicon is 1414°C with a boiling point of 3255°C.
The primary method of zinc extraction is a two-step process.
Roasting: Zinc sulfide ore is roasted in air to convert it to zinc oxide (ZnO).
Reduction: The zinc oxide is then reduced with carbon (usually coke) at high temperatures, producing metallic zinc vapor. This vapor is then condensed to form solid zinc.
Electrolytic processes are also used, especially for refining and obtaining high-purity zinc.
Zinc Alloys
Zinc readily alloys with various metals. The most well-known alloy is brass, a combination of copper and zinc, prized for its strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Other important zinc alloys include:
Bronze: Primarily copper with tin, but zinc is often added for improved casting and strength.
Die-casting alloys: Composed primarily of zinc, aluminum, and magnesium, known for their excellent castability and dimensional stability, used in a wide range of applications, from automotive parts to household appliances.
Solder: Used to join metal components, often contains zinc for improved wetting and flow properties.
Zinc in Nature, Health, and Technology
In nature, zinc is a vital micronutrient for plants and animals. It promotes growth and development by aiding enzyme function and protein synthesis. Zinc-enriched soils can enhance crop yields. Even microbes need zinc.
Zinc is a a cofactor for some bacterial proteins. Zinc ions also function in for DNA repair, enzymatic reactions, defenses to oxidative stress, and regulatory roles in other physiological processes in bacteria.
It's a necessary element for the normal growth, metabolism and physiology of yeast. Yeast, a one-celled organism, is often used in metabolic research as yeast cells resemble those of humans.
In technology, zinc is used to galvanize steel, which protects from rust and significantly prolongs metal lifespan. Structures treated with zinc can resist corrosion for over 50 years. It's also used in fertilizers and pesticides.
Human Health
Zinc is integral to biological processes such as immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis and cell division. The average human body contains about 2-3 grams of zinc, found mostly in muscles and bones.
Symptoms of deficiency include impaired growth and immune dysfunction.
Senses of taste and smell may also decrease. Zinc deficiency affects over two billion people worldwide.
Zinc is available in dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications like cold remedies. The food sources highest in zinc include meat, fish and seafood. Oysters have more zinc per serving than any other food.
Excess zinc intake can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Inhaling zinc oxide fumes may induce rapid breathing, sweating, fever, muscle aches, and a metallic taste in the mouth, a condition known as metal fume fever.
Sunscreen often contains zinc oxide (ZnO) as a physical barrier to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Zinc based medication is often used for skin rashes and abrasions, speeding recovery to help keep skin healthy.
Technology
Galvanization: Coating steel with zinc provides excellent corrosion protection, extending the lifespan of bridges, pipelines, and countless other metal structures.
Certain types of zinc coatings can last over 50 years without significant corrosion, ideal for outdoor structures. This is 10x longer than the lifetime of the average Starlink satellite.
Zinc has many uses in robot technology, even microscopically. In 2024 MIT researchers develop a tiny zinc-air battery, able to power autonomous cell-sized robots.
Electronics: Zinc oxide (ZnO) is used in semiconductors, solar cells, and transparent conductive films.
Silver-Zinc Batteries: These batteries are among the many used in space travel. While today nickel cadmium batteries are more popular, silver-zinc batteries power the first space flights and exploration.
Cost and short lifespan are prohibitive. Nonetheless, they're still used today in military and space operations.
Global Production and Market Value
China is the leading producer of zinc with 33% of global production. It's followed by Australia, Peru and India. The global market for zinc is driven by its widespread use in construction, auto and electronics industries.
Zinc prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, geopolitical factors, and global economic conditions. The market value of zinc fluctuates significantly based on supply and demand dynamics.
As of 2023, the price per metric ton ranges from $2500 to $3000, influenced by factors like global economic conditions and mining production volumes. Rising demand from renewable energy sectors also affects price trends.
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