Zinc is the first element in Group 12 of the periodic table, one of the transition metals. It has an atomic number of 30, an atomic mass of 65.38, and a chemical symbol of Zn.

Properties

Zinc is a bluish white metal that is neither ductile nor malleable. It has a melting point of 787.1°F (419.5°C), a boiling point of 1,666°F (908°C), and a density of 7.14 grams per cubic centimeter. Zinc is a fairly active metal that dissolves in both acids and strong alkalis. It does not react with oxygen in dry air very readily, but it does react in moist air to form zinc carbonate (ZnCO₃). Zinc burns in oxygen with a blue flame.

Occurrence and Extraction

Zinc is about the 24th most abundant element in the Earth's crust with an abundance of about 0.02%. It never occurs free as an element, but is most commonly found...