Zinc

Zn	30

Zinc

Abundance: 70ppm

Zinc, periodic table Zn, is a metal, atomic number 30. It's most common isotope is 90Sn (51,5%) _,with 60 neutrons. The metal was probably named by the alchemist Paracelsus after the German word Zinke (prong / tooth). The pure metal was first isolated / discovered in 1800 by Andreas Sigismund Marggraf.

Zinc^[1] is a slightly brittle metal, and is chemically similar to magnesium (since both metals exhibit only one oxidation state, and the ions are of similar size). It is the second most common trace metal needed by humans (after iron), and is required for prenatal and postnatal development. The metal is commonly alloyed with copper to form Brass (~66% Cu, ~34% Zn).

In situ production

Zinc is dilute in the Earth crust (70 ppm), and probably the Martian crust as well. Concentration may have taken place through erosion processes, but exploration is needed. On Earth Zinc is most commonly found as an sulphide in the mineral Sphalerite (Zn, Fe)S. Sulphides are common on Mars.

Applications

As a metal, zinc is alloyed with copper to make brass. Brass is more resistant than copper alone. It is the fourth most common industrial metal. Zinc in commonly used as a corrosion coating for Steel, where is is known as galvanized steel. Zinc oxide is used in chemical processes and as a white pigment. Zinc oxide is UV resistant and is used in sunscreen, and also as an ointment for diaper rash (Zincofax!). There are 2-4 g of Zink in the human body.