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Information on Zinc
A factual guide to zinc geology, physical properties, production, supply, recycling, and everyday uses.
Zinc (Zn)
Zinc Information
Zinc is a versatile element that we encounter in our daily lives. It is found in products including zinc creams, sunblocks and vitamins. Zinc is primarily used for galvanizing steel, die-castings, and the production of brass and zinc oxides.
Origins
History
Brass, a zinc-copper alloy, was used by Chinese, Indian, Greek and Roman cultures in ancient times. Recognition and smelting of zinc came later than other common metals.
Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Agricola and Paracelsus both described a metal they called “zinke.” The name is generally considered to come from the German word “zinke,” meaning pointed, in reference to the pointed crystals formed after smelting.
The discovery of zinc in metallic form is credited to German chemist Andreas Marggraf in 1746. Commercial smelting began in earnest in Europe and the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Geology
Occurrence
Zinc occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust at an average concentration of 70 to 80 ppm. It is most commonly found in sphalerite, (Zn,Fe)S, also known as zinc blende. Less common minerals include smithsonite, hemimorphite, franklinite and zincite.
Geological and geochemical processes can concentrate zinc into deposits with mining potential. Common deposit types include volcanic-hosted massive sulphides, carbonate-hosted deposits, sediment-hosted SEDEX deposits and intrusion-related deposits.
Zinc deposits are found across the globe, with Australia, China, Canada, India, Peru and Europe among the largest producers.
Element profile
Physical Properties
Zinc is a transition metal on the periodic table. It is a bluish-white, lustrous metallic element that is brittle at room temperature, malleable with heating and a fair conductor of electricity.
| Name | Zinc | Symbol | Zn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 30 | Atomic Mass | 65.39 amu |
| Melting Point | 419.58 °C / 692.73 °K | Boiling Point | 907.0 °C - 1180.15 °K |
| Number of Protons | 30 | Number of Neutrons | 35 |
| Crystal Structure | Hexagonal | Density @ 293K | 7.133 g/cm³ |
| Colour | Bluish-White |
Global market
Production and Use
In 2016, the world mined 12.8 million tonnes of zinc ore, produced 13.7 million tonnes of refined zinc and consumed 13.9 million tonnes. Zinc serves construction, transportation, household products, health and other industries. It is the fourth most commonly used metal after iron, copper and aluminum.
World Refined Zinc Supply and Usage 2012 - 2017
000 tonnes
| Measure | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2016 Jan-Oct | 2017 Jan-Oct | 2017 Jul | 2017 Aug | 2017 Sep | 2017 Oct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mine Production | 12,896 | 13,039 | 13,493 | 13,610 | 12,769 | 10,539 | 10,941 | 1,085.9 | 1,078.4 | 1,137.5 | 1,207.0 |
| Metal Production | 12,595 | 12,979 | 13,478 | 13,656 | 13,724 | 11,348 | 11,277 | 1,085.6 | 1,110.9 | 1,166.6 | 1,211.5 |
| Metal Usage | 12,380 | 13,148 | 13,754 | 13,486 | 13,861 | 11,543 | 11,678 | 1,134.4 | 1,152.1 | 1,202.5 | 1,248.4 |
Source: International Lead Zinc Study Group
End uses
How Zinc Is Used
Galvanizing steel to protect against corrosion accounts for half of zinc’s industrial use. Alloying, brass and bronze, semi-manufactures, chemicals and other applications make up the balance.
Source: International Lead Zinc Study Group
British Columbia
From Zinc Geology to ZincX
ZincX is exploring sediment-hosted zinc-lead-silver mineralization in British Columbia's Kechika Trough. Its 100%-owned Akie Project hosts the undeveloped Cardiac Creek deposit.
Everyday applications
Zinc at Work
Construction
Builders depend on the structural strength and corrosion resistance of zinc-coated galvanized steel. Products include structural framing, railings, garage doors, roofing, exterior wall panels and zinc-protected fasteners. Everyday items including fences, garden tools, patio furniture and storage sheds also rely on zinc for rust protection.
Transportation
Zinc castings have excellent dimensional stability and are used in automobiles, electronic components and precision parts. Automobiles contain about 40 pounds of zinc, primarily in galvanized steel body panels. Aircraft instrument panels use zinc, while ship builders use zinc anodes to protect steel hulls from salt water corrosion.
Household Products
Refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers contain zinc die-cast components. Zinc sulfide enables television displays to produce blue and green, while zinc alloyed with copper forms brass with greater strength, castability and a distinctive golden colour.
Recycling
Zinc can be recycled indefinitely without degradation of its physical or chemical properties. Globally, approximately 70% of annual zinc consumption comes from mining while 30% is reclaimed, recycled and reused. The reclamation rate of available zinc is approximately 80%.
Health
Zinc is essential to life and every cell requires it to multiply. It supports healthy skin, growth, wound healing, immune function and the healthy operation of muscles, nerves and the brain. Zinc is especially important during pregnancy as fetal cells divide rapidly. Lean red meat and seafood, particularly oysters, are among the best dietary sources.
Did you know? Since 1982, U.S. minted “copper” pennies have contained 97.6% zinc beneath a 2.4% copper coating.
Did you know? In 1996, an estimated 355,000 tons of zinc in waste and scrap was recovered in several reusable forms.
Sources