ZincII

Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a slightly brittle metal at room temperature and has a blue-silvery appearance when oxidation is removed. Zinc is the 24th most abundant element in Earth's crust and has five stable isotopes.

The element was named after the German word "Zink" and was first recognized as a distinct metal in India around 1300 CE, though it was not widely known in Europe until the 18th century. Metallic zinc was first produced in India sometime between the 11th and 14th centuries, making it one of the first metals to be recognized and used by humans.

Zinc is primarily extracted from the mineral sphalerite, which contains zinc sulfide. The extraction process typically involves roasting the ore to convert it to zinc oxide, then heating it with carbon or using electrolysis to produce pure zinc metal. The metal is resistant to corrosion and is often used to coat other metals to prevent rusting, a process known as galvanization.

The primary applications of zinc include galvanizing steel, manufacturing brass and bronze alloys, and producing zinc compounds for various industrial uses. Zinc oxide is widely used in sunscreens, paints, and rubber products. The metal is also essential for biological processes and is found in numerous enzymes and proteins in living organisms.

Zinc deficiency can lead to various health problems including impaired immune function, skin lesions, and growth retardation. The recommended daily intake varies by age and sex, with adult males requiring about 11 milligrams per day and adult females requiring 8 milligrams per day.

In biological systems, zinc serves as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes and plays crucial roles in DNA synthesis, cell division, and protein synthesis. It is particularly concentrated in the prostate gland and parts of the eye.