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zinc

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | 700+ words | Copyright

zinc (symbol Zn) Bluish-white, metallic element of group II of the periodic table. Chief ores are sphalerite, smithsonite, and calamine. The German chemist Andreas Marggraf (1709–82) isolated it in 1746. Zinc is a vital trace element, found in erythrocytes (red bood cells), and is essential for growth in humans and animals. It is used in many alloys, including brass, bronze, nickel, and soft solder. It is corrosive-resistant and used in galvanizing iron. Zinc oxide is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints, inks, pigments, and plastics. Zinc chloride is used in dentistry and to manufacture batteries and fungicides. Properties: at.no. 30; r.a.m. 65.38; r.d. 7.133; m.p. 419.6°C (787.3°F); b.p. 907°C (1665°F); most common isotope Zn64 (48.89%).

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