An abundant element of the magnesium-cadmium group, extracted
   principally from the minerals zinc blende, smithsonite, calamine, and
   franklinite, as an easily fusible bluish white metal, which is
   malleable, especially when heated. It is not easily oxidized in moist
   air, and hence is used for sheeting, coating galvanized iron, etc. It
   is used in making brass, britannia, and other alloys, and is also
   largely consumed in electric batteries. Symbol Zn. Atomic weight 64.9.