Is Zinc a Metal, Nonmetal or Metalloid?

Zinc is classified as a metal element and is a solid at room temperature. It has a melting point of 787 degrees Fahrenheit, a boiling point of 1,665 F and an atomic weight of 65.38. The element zinc is assigned the number 30 on the periodic table of elements, assigned to group number 12 and does not have a group name.

Zinc compounds have been utilized for 2,500 years in the manufacturing of brass, but were not recognized as a specific element until many years later. In modern times, the majority of zinc is made through the electrolysis of aqueous zinc sulfate. Zinc is used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, paint, printing, plastics, batteries, soap and is alloyed with tin and lead to produce solder, which is used to join pipes, metallic items and electrical components.