Six interesting facts about zinc

Zinc has many uses, from creating rubber and metal products to being an ingredient in medicines. Around three-quarters of all zinc is consumed as a metal, largely as a coating to protect steel and iron from corrosion, in the creation of brass and bronze, and as rolled zinc. Its interest value goes beyond what it is used for, as the following six facts will demonstrate.

1. Earth component

Zinc, which is a naturally occurring element, is found in soil and rock, air, water, and the biosphere. Humans, animals, and plants all contain zinc. Its mineral forms include sphalerite and hemimorphite, and it is significantly mined in countries such as Australia, Peru, and China.

2. One of the most used metals

Zinc is the fourth most commonly consumed metal, from making brass to being used in zinc nickel plating offered by companies such as https://www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/zinc-nickel-alloy-plating.

3. Sun protection

Zinc oxide sunscreens are widely used to protect against ultraviolet light-related skin damage and sunburn.

4. Essential element

As an essential trace element, zinc is a type of nutrient found in human body cells and is required to stay healthy; however, too much zinc can be harmful. In the body, zinc works to improve immune functions, helps protect against lower respiratory infections, can treat acne, helps with taste and smell, heals wounds, aids growth and development, and makes DNA and proteins.

5. Zinc and industry

Zinc is used in a wide range of industries, including the agricultural, paint, chemical, and rubber sectors. It is probably best known for protecting steel and iron products at risk of corrosion.

6. Metal dominance

Around three-quarters of the zinc used in the world is consumed in the form of metal. Galvanised metal is the name given to steel and iron that has been protected from corrosion by zinc. The metal can be used to make brass and bronze, and there are common die-casting applications using zinc. The element is also found as rolled zinc, which is used in building industries and roofing sectors.