3. Zinc- Utility Player of the Periodic Table. Why is Zinc so amazing?

Zn (atomic number 30) is located in the last column of what is called the transition metals on the periodic table (although it is technically a post-transition metal because of its physical properties).  Further to the right are other post-transition metals of Aluminum, Lead, Tin, and Bismuth.  Even further to the right are the Metalloids- think boron and antimony.

Now, to the left are the true transition metals. So in the column immediately adjacent, we find copper, silver, and gold, and further down the row, iron, cobalt, and nickel.

Physically, post-transition metals are soft, lack strength, and possess a low melting point. This is actually a good thing!  This is why they are able to be easily alloyed with other metals. Zinc is unique among them all.

This means that despite being very soft and quite malleable, Zinc is perfectly positioned as the “utility player” between the transition and post transition metals.  It can do lots.  Think 1986 Oakland A’s Tony Phillips. Above all, it’s not toxic, and our bodies actually need zinc to create white blood cells.  It is conductive, antimicrobial, and can be made magnetic.

It can easily be alloyed with other metals to make it stronger and improve its usability for different instances, but it retains its special antimicrobial properties and its ability to oxidize for decorative finishes.  The fact that it is so soft is a blessing and a challenge.

On one hand, it makes it quite easy to manipulate through sanding and surface finishing. 

On the other hand, stainless steel has been adopted, industry wide, for its resistance to scratching and its sanitary nature, so fabricators are more familiar with stainless and have a harder time working with soft alloys like zinc and brass.

While stainless has dominated the past 40 years and will continue to be a strong player well into the future, things are about to change.

As fabrication technologies advance, I’m certain we will see more soft metal applications, because these metals have a much greater aesthetic potential than stainless, and their use is becoming more accessible in the industry.