Zinc is a silvery-white metal with a bluish tinge.
While initially appearing silvery-white, zinc readily tarnishes upon exposure to air, developing a dull, grayish patina. This tarnish is a protective layer of zinc oxide, which prevents further corrosion of the underlying metal.
Here's a breakdown of zinc's color characteristics:
- Freshly Cut/Polished: Silvery-white with a subtle bluish hue.
- Exposed to Air: Dull, grayish due to the formation of zinc oxide.
The bluish tinge is more noticeable in certain lighting conditions or when observing freshly exposed zinc. However, the most commonly observed color is a dull gray due to the rapid tarnishing process.
