zinc

Name zinc
Symbol Zn
Atomic Weight 65.39
Atomic Number 30
CAS ID 7440-66-6
Group Number 12
Group Name (none)
Period Number 4
Origin of Name From the German, "zink."
Year Discovered 1500
Discovery Credits Known in India and China before 1500.
Class Metallic
Color Bluish Pale Gray
Standard State Solid at 77 F & 298 K
Description Bluish-white metal, brittle when cast. Tarnishes in air, reacts with acids and alkalis.. Used for galvanizing iron, in alloys, e.g. brass, in batteries, as ZnO in rubber, and as polymer stabilizer.

Diagnostic tests: 
In a strongly reducing flame, the zinc in zinc minerals volatilizes when heated before the blowpipe and is usually detected by the canary yellow (hot) or white (cold) color of the ZnO coating on charcoal. Infusible zinc silicate minerals give a green color when ignited with a Co(NO3)2 solution.

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