Metals & Alloys · common
Zinc
Zinc is a bluish-silver metal used in galvanizing steel, die-cast objects, batteries, coins, hardware, and brass production.
Also known as: Galvanized zinc, Zinc alloy, Zn.
Zinc properties at a glance
| Type | Metals & Alloys |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Zn |
| Mohs hardness | 2.5 |
| Luster | metallic |
| Streak | Gray |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Ductile to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 7.14 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Bluish silver, Gray, Dull silver |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Zinc is refined mainly from zinc ores such as sphalerite and then cast, rolled, plated, or alloyed with copper to make brass.
Zinc became important for brass, galvanizing, batteries, die casting, and corrosion-resistant coatings.
How to identify Zinc
- Look for a bluish-silver to dull gray metal.
- Galvanized zinc coatings can show spangled or mottled crystal patterns.
- Zinc die-cast objects may be gray and moderately heavy.
- Zinc is common in hardware, coatings, batteries, and brass alloys.
Full Zinc identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Zinc vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Zinc.
Where Zinc is found
Zinc is manufactured, refined, recycled, or traded worldwide; verify grade, purity, and origin from markings, documentation, or provenance when available.
How much is Zinc worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $1 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $10 |
| Premium specimen | $100+ |
Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
Common uses
- Galvanized steel
- Die-cast hardware
- Batteries
- Coins
- Brass alloying
Interesting facts
- Zinc is widely used as a protective coating on galvanized steel.
- Zinc die-cast parts are common in small hardware and consumer objects.
- Zinc with copper forms brass.
Care & safety
Zinc can scratch, dent, tarnish, corrode, or lose its surface finish depending on the alloy, coating, and use wear.
Check sharp edges. Manufactured metal objects can have sharp edges, burrs, broken points, or worn plating; handle damaged pieces carefully.
Zinc FAQ
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a bluish-silver metal used in galvanizing steel, die-cast objects, batteries, coins, hardware, and brass production.
How much is Zinc worth?
Entry-level Zinc specimens sell for around $1, a typical collector specimen for about $10, and premium pieces for $100 or more. Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
How hard is Zinc?
Zinc has a Mohs hardness of 2.5. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
What is Zinc used for?
Zinc is used for galvanized steel, die-cast hardware, batteries, coins, and brass alloying.
