Zinc is an elemental metal. It is listed on the Periodic Table as "Zn," with an atomic number of 30 and an atomic weight of 65.37, and it melts at 788°F (420°C). Zinc is usually a gray metallic color, but it can be polished to a shiny silver luster.

In nature, it is only found as a chemical compound, not as pure zinc, and can be used as a raw material for castings and coatings. Only about 5% of the world's zinc supply is mined in the United States, with the balance coming primarily from India, Mexico, and Canada. Approximately 6.7 million metric tons of zinc ore is produced worldwide. Approximately two thirds of the zinc used in the United States is imported.