<P> Zinc is a chemical element with symbol Zn and atomic number 30 . It is the first element in group 12 of the periodic table . In some respects zinc is chemically similar to magnesium : both elements exhibit only one normal oxidation state ( + 2 ) , and the Zn and Mg ions are of similar size . Zinc is the 24th most abundant element in Earth 's crust and has five stable isotopes . The most common zinc ore is sphalerite ( zinc blende ) , a zinc sulfide mineral . The largest workable lodes are in Australia , Asia , and the United States . Zinc is refined by froth flotation of the ore , roasting , and final extraction using electricity ( electrowinning ) . </P>
where is zinc located on the periodic table
first element in group 12 of the periodic table