What element has the symbol 'Zn'?

The story behind the answer

Zn is the chemical symbol for Zinc (atomic number 30). The symbol derives from the Latin zincum. Don’t be fooled by the other Z options: Zirconium is a different element with symbol Zr, while zincite is a mineral (zinc oxide, ZnO) and zinnwaldite is a mica mineral—neither are elements.

Zinc is a bluish-white metal used to galvanize steel (prevent rust), in brass (with copper), in batteries, and in sunscreens as ZnO. Memory tip: ZiNc spells out ZN—both the word and symbol share the letters Z and N. Also think “zinc protects” (galvanizing and sunscreen), helping you link Zn to Zinc’s protective uses.