Article briefly explains history of zinc use and gives current industry applications. Gives five demonstrations of zinc properties which can be used in a classroom setting. These are: the oxidation of zinc, galvanizing iron wire, reacting Zn²⁺ ions with S^2- ions, commercial dry cells, and the reaction of zinc and manganese dioxide in a dry cell. Information on the occurrence and mining of zinc in South Africa is given with detailed explanation of the electrowinning of zinc from zinc sulfide. This process accounts for 80% of current world production.