Robort Vlulliny age 12, of Emmerton Va., for his question:

We get zinc from the generous earth. Its ore is mixed with rocks and debris. And the earth Is most bountiful supply of zinc ore is around Joplin, Missouri. The rich zinc deposits reach into three states ‑ Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. There are also deposits in New Jersey, Virginia, Tennessee, Idaho and New York. The United States leads the world in zinc production. Other countries producing zinc are Canada, Germany, Belgium, England, France and Russia.

The lumps of zinc‑bearing ore are sent to the smelter, crushed and mixed with burning coals. The zinc rises as vapor. It is condensed into liquid and poured into molds to set in solid form. Zinc may also be removed from its ore by electrolysis.

The refined metal is bluish white and rather soft. It refuses to rust and is used to coat iron which might be exposed to the weather. Zinc is also used in the manufacture of brass. The compounds of zinc are used to make paints, varnishes, medicines and insecticides.