A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

73

range of applications. For example, a compound

of zinc and oxygen called zinc oxide is used

in medical tape and sunscreen. Zinc oxide

can also be used to toughen the rubber used

in boots and tyres. A compound of zinc and

sulfur called zinc sulfide is used to make some

paints that glow in the dark. When pure

zinc is exposed to air, the metal reacts

with oxygen to form a protective layer

of an oxide. This coating can prevent

objects covered in zinc, such as bridges,

from corroding easily.

This mineral contains

zinc carbonate.

Zinc oxide cr ystals

are generally colourless.

Uses

He

mi

mo

rph

ite

Supernova

Hemimorphite

was discovered by

James Smithson, the

founder of the

Smithsonian

Institution.

F

ri

ts

a-

id

t

ap

e

Medical tapes that contain

zinc oxide stop wounds from

getting infected with microbes.

This soothing skin

lotion contains a

mixture of zinc

compounds.

Calamine lotion

This zinc coin is

coated with copper.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge,

Kobe, Japan

This flexible rubber is made

stronger by adding zinc oxide.

The zinc coating

on this steel bridge

protects it from rust.

R

bu

b

er

(^) b
o
ot
s
Zincit
e
Steel is protected from corrosion by coating
it with zinc. Alloys of iron and zinc form in
layers between the steel and pure zinc.
This process is called galvanization.
94% zinc
and 6% iron
Pure zinc
90% zinc
and 10% iron
Steel is an
alloy of iron
and carbon.
GALVANIZED STEEL
Ameri
ca
n
pe
n
n
y
Along with many other elements,
zinc atoms are formed inside
supernovae (exploding giant stars).
072-073_Zinc.indd 73 12/12/16 5:38 pm