Zinco

Zinco, known in English as zinc, is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a bluish-white, relatively soft metal that is brittle at room temperature but becomes ductile when heated. Zinc has a melting point of 419.5°C and a boiling point of 908°C, and it resists corrosion by forming a protective oxide layer on exposure to air.

In nature, zinco occurs mainly in the mineral sphalerite (zinc sulfide). It is the fourth most widely used metal by annual production and is relatively abundant in the Earth's crust. Major producers include China, Australia, Peru, the United States, and Canada.

Commercially, zinco is produced by roasting sulfide ore to zinc oxide, followed by reduction to metal, or by electrolytic refining of zinc sulfate solutions. The metal is widely used to galvanize steel and iron to prevent corrosion. It is also alloyed with copper to form brass and with other metals for die casting. Zinc oxide and other zinc compounds have diverse applications, including pigments (zinc white), rubber manufacturing, ceramics, and sunscreens. Zinc is employed in various battery technologies, such as zinc–carbon and zinc–air batteries.

Biologically, zinco is an essential trace element necessary for numerous enzymes and immune function. Deficiency can affect growth and development, while excessive exposure can cause adverse health effects, including respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in some contexts. Dietary requirements vary by age and physiology.

Etymology and history: the name zinco derives from the German Zink, and compounds of zinc have been known for centuries; metallic zinc was isolated in Europe in the 18th century.