Zinc
Atomic Number: 30
Zinc is an element in the transition metals group. It is a slightly brittle (hard but fragile) metal at room temperature. It actually has a slight blue color if the outer layer is removed. This element has a very low melting and boiling point compared to the other metals in the transition metals. Elements in zinc's column are mercury and cadmium which both have very low melting points. This is because both the d and s blocks are filled. This shell means that the atom is closely packed, resulting in a weaker strength. Zinc is important for our body because it is found in our cells, and it helps the immune system fight off bacteria. Zinc is found under the ground (like most metals) in ores and minerals. The ores/minerals that include zinc are sphalerite, smithsonite, hemimorphite, and wurtzite. These minerals are mostly found in places like China, Australia and Peru. The person that officially discovered zinc was a german chemist, Andreas Marggraf in 1946. Though, zinc can be traced back to Greeks and romans in 20BC.
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