Zinc

Symbol: Zn
Atomic number: 30
Category: transition metals
Group: 12
Period: 4
Block: d
Atomic weight: 65.38 g/mol
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 18, 2
CAS number: 7440-66-6
Phase: solid
Density: 7.14 kg/dm³ (near room temperature)
Melting point: 692.68 K (419.53 °C, 787.15 °F)
Boiling point: 1180 K (907 °C, 1665 °F)
Crystal structure: hexagonal
Oxidation states: 1, 2
Electronegativity: 1.65 (Pauling scale)
Name's origin: Zinke
Name's meaning: 'finish', probably named by the alchemist Paracelsus
Facts:
- is chemically similar to magnesium because its ion is of similar size and its only common oxidation state is +2
- corrosion-resistant zinc plating of steel is the major application for zinc
- other applications are in batteries and alloys, such as brass
- is an essential mineral of exceptional biologic and public health importance
- zinc deficiency affects about 2 billion people in the developing world and is associated many diseases
- in children zink deficiency causes growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, infection susceptibility, and diarrhea, contributing to the death of about 800 000 children worldwide per year
- consumption of excess zinc can cause ataxia, lethargy, and copper deficiency
- the metal was unknown to Europe until the end of the 16th century