Zinc

Element, chemical symbol Zn. A bluish-white, lustrous metal derived from ores that also contain lead, silver, copper, germanium and cadmium. The pure metal is malleable and ductile even at ordinary temperature. It can be electro-deposited, and is used primarily as a galvanized protective coating for steel (especially steel destined for use in construction, transportation and electrical equipment). Its most important alloys are brass and bronze.