Zinc silicate

Zinc silicate is a chemical compound consisting of zinc, silicon, and oxygen. It is also known as willemite, a mineral form of zinc silicate that is most commonly found in oxidized zinc ore deposits.

Chemical Composition

Zinc silicate's chemical formula is Zn2SiO4. It consists of two zinc atoms, one silicon atom, and four oxygen atoms. The zinc and silicon atoms are tetrahedrally coordinated, meaning they are surrounded by four other atoms in a tetrahedral shape.

Physical Properties

Zinc silicate is typically colorless or white, but it can also be found in various shades of green, yellow, and brown due to the presence of impurities. It has a vitreous to resinous luster and a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale. In its mineral form, willemite, it exhibits strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

Uses

Zinc silicate is used in a variety of applications. It is used as a pigment in paints, as it is resistant to weathering and provides good coverage. It is also used in the manufacture of ceramics and glass, as it can lower the melting point and increase the hardness of the material. In addition, zinc silicate is used in the field of optoelectronics, due to its luminescent properties.

Health and Safety

While zinc silicate is generally considered safe for use in various applications, it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. It can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, and prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health problems such as lung damage. Therefore, proper safety measures should be taken when handling zinc silicate.

See Also

• Zinc
• Silicate minerals
• Willemite
• Optoelectronics