| Abstract: | Centuries before it was identified as an element, zinc was used to make brass (an alloy of zinc and copper) and for medicinal purposes. Metallic zinc and zinc oxide were produced in India sometime between the 11th and 14th centuries and in China in the 17th century, although the discovery of pure metallic zinc is credited to the German chemist Andreas Marggraf, who isolated the element in 1746.
Refined zinc metal is bluish-white when freshly cast; it is hard and brittle at most temperatures and has relatively low melting and boiling points. Zinc alloys readily with other metals and is chemically active. On exposure to air, it develops a thin gray oxide film (patina), which inhibits deeper oxidation (corrosion) of the metal. The metal‘s resistance to corrosion is an important characteristic in its use. |
| Genre: | USGS Numbered Series |
| ProdID: | 99088 |
| Citation Author: | Kropschot, S.J.; Doebrich, Jeff L. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Mineral Resources Program Coordinator |
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| Citation Language: | ENGLISH |
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| Citation No Pagination: | N |
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| Citation Online Only Flag: | N |
| Citation Phsyical Description: | 2 p. |
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| Citation Publisher: | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Citation Series: | Fact Sheet |
| Citation Series Code: | FS |
| Citation Series Number: | 2011-3016 |
| Citation Search Results Text: | Zinc-The key to preventing corrosion; 2011; FS; 2011-3016; Kropschot, S.J.; Doebrich, Jeff L. |
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| Citation Year: | 2011 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Zinc-The key to preventing corrosion; 2011; FS; 2011-3016; Kropschot, S.J.; Doebrich, Jeff L. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/fs_2011_3016.bmp |
| URL (INDEX PAGE): | http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2011/3016/ |
| Date Other: | Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00 -0600 |
| Publisher: | U.S. Geological Survey |
