Did you know these facts about Zinc?
Zinc is a bluish-grey metal that you probably encounter on a daily basis without realising it. It is a common element that appears in many products around you and it is also important for your health and wellbeing.
Ancient Origins and Discovery
People have been using zinc for thousands of years and Ancient Greeks and Romans worked with it in metal mixtures called alloys. Extracting pure zinc was difficult because it evaporated before reaching the temperature needed to separate it from the ore.
The name ‘zinc’ probably comes from the German word ‘zinke,’ which means pointed. This describes the pointed crystals that form after zinc is processed.
Important for Human Health
Zinc is the second biggest metal in your body after iron and your body needs it to stay healthy. Zinc helps your immune system work properly, supports cell growth and assists in many bodily processes. Without enough zinc, your health can suffer and it could affect your vision as you age. You can get zinc from foods like meat and seafood and oysters contain particularly high amounts.
However, too much zinc can cause problems as it can prevent your body from absorbing other important minerals like iron and copper. In severe cases, excess zinc exposure can permanently damage your sense of smell or taste.
Everyday Uses
Zinc is the fourth most widely used metal in industry after iron, aluminium and copper.
About half of all zinc produced worldwide is used in galvanisation which coats iron or steel to prevent rust or in the zinc nickel plating process like the examples seen at www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/zinc-nickel-alloy-plating/. Zinc can also be used to make brass and bronze when combined with other metals. When zinc is exposed to air, it forms a protective layer that prevents further damage and this is why it works so well for protecting other metals.
You will find zinc in many everyday items including batteries, sunscreen and paints. This versatile metal is used in ways we don’t notice, making it an unsung hero of modern life.
