DERIVATION.--Dissolve zinc in hydrochloric acid by boiling. The solution
contains the zinc chloride with chlorides of iron and lead as
impurities. These are precipitated by adding first nitric acid then zinc
carbonate. Filter and finally evaporate.
PROPERTIES.--A white, granular powder, or porcelain-like masses,
irregular or moulded into pencils; odorless; of such intensely caustic
properties as to make tasting dangerous unless the salt be dissolved in
much water, when it has an astringent, metallic taste; very
deliquescent; soluble in water and alcohol.