An abundant element of the magnesium-cadmium group, extracted
principally from the minerals zinc blende, smithsonite, calamine, and
franklinite, as an easily fusible bluish white metal, which is
malleable, especially when heated. It is not easily oxidized in moist
air, and hence is used for sheeting, coating galvanized iron, etc. It
is used in making brass, britannia, and other alloys, and is also
largely consumed in electric batteries. Symbol Zn. Atomic weight 64.9.