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EmailZinc
What it is
Zinc is a bluish very shiny metal. Its melting point is 419.6°C, its boiling point 907°C. The specific weight is 7.14 g/cm³ (at 25° C).
Where it is found
In nature zinc is very often accompanied by lead. The most important mineral is zinc blende often associated with lead glance.
The biggest zinc ore deposits are found in Australia, China and the USA. Zinc mining is taking place primarily in the countries mentioned as well as in Peru and Canada.
What it is used for
The most important field of zinc use is the finishing of steel surfaces (galvanization) to protect the steel against corrosion. Zinc is also used for the production of brass, die-casting alloys, zinc semi-finished products and batteries. In the chemical industry zinc is used as zinc oxide in the production of tires, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
How it is traded
Zinc is traded in the form of slabs (up to 25 kg) and jumbos (from 1,000 kg). Zinc grades are standardized in DIN EN 1179. The degree of purity defined in the standard ranges from 98.5 % for primary zinc up to 99.995 % for high-purity zinc.