galvanized
Zinc is a silvery metal that quickly tarnishes to a blue-gray appearance. This change in color is due to an adherent coating of a basic carbonate, Zn2 OH 2CO3, which passivates the metal to inhibit further corrosion. Dry cell and alkaline batteries contain a zinc anode. Brass Cu and Zn and some bronze Cu, Sn, and sometimes Zn are important zinc alloys. About half of zinc production serves to protect iron and other metals from corrosion. This protection may take the form of a sacrificial anode also known as a galvanic anode, which is a means of providing cathodic protection for various metals or as a thin coating on the protected metal. Galvanized steel is steel with a protective coating of zinc.