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ZINC FACTS

Zinc comes from the German word 'Zink' which is a corruption of the Greek word 'Zinn' or 'Tin' with which zinc was long confused.

The pure metal is brittle at ordinary temperatures, but becomes malleable by heating to 100-150°C.

A fair electrical conductor in its pure form, zinc can be alloyed to improve its electrical properties. Zinc-bromide and nickel-zinc power cells are amongst the new generation of batteries.

Zinc is a bluish-white, lustrous metal that has never been found naturally in its pure form.

The metal can form numerous alloys with other metals. Brass, nickel silver, commercial bronze, spring brass, soft solder and aluminium solder are some of the more important alloys.

Zinc is resistant to corrosion under normal weather conditions and is ideal as a protective coating (galvanising) on steel beams, sheet steel and vehicle panels in the automotive industry. Worldwide, 50% of zinc produced is used for galvanising.

It has unusual thermal and optical properties. Zinc sulphide (ZnS) is used in making luminous dials, X-ray and TV screens and fluorescent lights.

Zinc is an essential element in the growth of humans, animals and plants.