zinc

The name for zinc is of German origins, zink. It has been known since pre-historic times and compounds as well as the metal had been used for many years before anyone ever thought about elements at all! Zinc (Zn) is a blue-white metal of moderate strength, hardness and ductility. Zinc is one of the least common elements and is mostly produced through electrolysis of aqueous zinc sulfate. About one third of all metallic zinc is used to manufacture galvanized nails. Because of its low melting point and its ability to form bonds with iron or steel, it serves to coat the metal and protect it from corrosion. Metallic zinc is also used to make dry cell batteries