Science
Fact-checked

At AllTheScience, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Properties of Zinc?

James Doehring
James Doehring

The properties of zinc vary depending on context. Physically, zinc has similar properties to other related metals on the periodic table, such as iron. Brass is a malleable alloy made from zinc and copper. Chemically, zinc shares properties with other group 12 elements and is moderately reactive. Biologically, the properties of zinc play an important role in metabolism, because many enzymes use zinc.

Zinc appears as a metal with a silver or bluish-white color. It can be shiny, but many grades have a dull finish. At everyday temperatures, one of the properties of zinc is brittleness. This means that when zinc is stretched or compressed, it tends to break rather than deform. Though the atomic weight of zinc is heavier than iron, it is less dense and, therefore, feels lighter.

Brass is a common alloy made from zinc, and tends to kill germs, so brass doorknobs are often used in hospitals to improve sanitation.
Brass is a common alloy made from zinc, and tends to kill germs, so brass doorknobs are often used in hospitals to improve sanitation.

A common alloy made from zinc is brass. Brass is made by mixing zinc and copper, typically with more copper than zinc. It appears as a shiny metal with a gold or yellow color. It is used for applications that require low-friction contact between surfaces. Brass tends to kill germs, so brass doorknobs are often used in hospitals to improve sanitation. It is also used extensively to make musical instruments.

In childhood and adolescence, a lack of zinc can stunt growth and sexual maturity.
In childhood and adolescence, a lack of zinc can stunt growth and sexual maturity.

The chemical properties of zinc are similar to other group 12 elements such as cadmium and mercury. Like these other elements, zinc has relatively low melting and boiling points. Zinc is somewhat reactive, meaning that it will chemically react with air and water. When pure zinc is exposed to the atmosphere, it will react with carbon dioxide to form a protective layer of zinc carbonate. The chemical properties in zinc are used in fireworks to create smoke effects.

A zinc deficiency may lead to hair loss and fatigue, in addition to other health concerns.
A zinc deficiency may lead to hair loss and fatigue, in addition to other health concerns.

The biological properties of zinc, on the other hand, are important for public health. In fact, zinc is found in a wide variety of organisms. The element is used in many enzymes, which are proteins that influence the rates of certain chemical reactions. Enzymes are important for maintaining chemical balance in an organism. In the human body, zinc plays a critical role in the brain and is necessary for the learning process.

Zinc deficiency is a common nutritional problem in developing countries. In childhood and adolescence, a lack of zinc can stunt growth and sexual maturity. At all ages, improper zinc levels can hinder the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and disease. It is believed that at least a quarter of the world population is at risk of zinc deficiency.

Discussion Comments

myharley

If I feel a cold or sore throat coming on, I will use some zinc lozenges to hopefully ward off the cold.

If I begin taking these right away, it seems like my sore throat never gets very bad. If I wait 2 or 3 days and my throat is really sore, they don't seem to work as well.

My dad has been taking zinc to help with colds for many years and says it is the best thing he has ever used to help keep a cold away, or shorten the duration of it.

bagley79

It seems like zinc is one of those minerals that you don't hear much about, but can have a significant impact on your health.

I have always taken a multi-vitamin that contains zinc, but since I quit eating very much meat, knew that I needed to find another way to add zinc to my diet.

Since zinc properties are found in many red meats and poultry, if you don't get these in your diet, it is helpful to take some extra zinc in the form of supplementation.

I also recently found out that zinc was helpful if you have thinning hair. This is one thing that I have noticed as I have gotten older, and hope the extra zinc will help with my hair that seems to be getting thinner all the time.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Brass is a common alloy made from zinc, and tends to kill germs, so brass doorknobs are often used in hospitals to improve sanitation.
      By: William Ceron
      Brass is a common alloy made from zinc, and tends to kill germs, so brass doorknobs are often used in hospitals to improve sanitation.
    • In childhood and adolescence, a lack of zinc can stunt growth and sexual maturity.
      By: Susan Stevenson
      In childhood and adolescence, a lack of zinc can stunt growth and sexual maturity.
    • A zinc deficiency may lead to hair loss and fatigue, in addition to other health concerns.
      By: Photographee.eu
      A zinc deficiency may lead to hair loss and fatigue, in addition to other health concerns.