Zinc

Real Metals · Common · Timeless

Zinc protects steel by being the more willing victim. Galvanised means dipped in molten zinc, and the coating does not merely cover the steel, it corrodes in its place: scratch through to bare metal and the exposed steel still will not rust, because the zinc around the scratch goes first. Ships carry blocks of it bolted to the hull for the same reason, and replace them when they have been eaten away.

Identity

Symbol
Zn
Atomic number
30
Source
Natural element
Used in
Brass, Maillechort, Orichalcum
Also known as
Zn, Spelter (archaic)
Ores, before industry and since
Hemimorphite, Smithsonite, Sphalerite
Ore deposits
Hydrothermal vein (lode), Volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit, Oxidized zone (gossan)
Used in alchemy
Enchanted Zinc Powder

Physical Properties

Appearance
Bluish-grey, somewhat dull, becomes brittle below room temperature
Luster
Metallic
Density
7.13 g/cm³
Melting point
420 °C
Boiling point
907 °C
Lighter
Starmetal
Denser
Chromium
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Electrical conductivity
Medium

Mechanical Properties

Mohs hardness
2.5
Tensile strength
37 MPa
Softer
Tin
Harder
Brass
Workability
Easy
Brittleness
Brittle
Malleability
Low
Ductility
Low

Chemical Properties

Corrosion resistance
High
Reactivity
Moderate

Lore & Narrative

Brass, the alloy of copper and zinc, was made in antiquity thousands of years before zinc was isolated as a pure metal. Ancient smiths mixed copper with zinc-bearing ores without knowing the second metal existed.

Notable uses
Galvanization, brass alloy, die casting, batteries
Forge uses
Galvanization, Alloys, Die casting
Worldbuilding traits
Protective, Common, Alloy-base, Industrial

Sources

Browse the Metal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox