Zinc Sulphate

Other names: Zinc sulphate, white rock, white vitriol, zinc sulphate

Zinc sulphate, also known as zinc sulphate, white rock or white vitriol, is a chemical compound of fine crystalline structure and light grey to white colour. It is one of the most commonly used zinc salts, found in the form of monohydrate or heptahydrate. Zinc sulphate is non-flammable and has a specific characteristic odour. At temperatures above 280 degrees Celsius it decomposes and releases toxic zinc oxide.

Zinc sulphate became widely used in various industries as early as the mid-19th century. Today it is found in a wide range of products. For example, it is a component of many dietary supplements, especially those that aim to regulate zinc levels in the body. In addition, it is widely used in agriculture, where it serves as a fertiliser and natural pesticide. In the pharmaceutical industry, zinc sulphate is used to make ointments for irritated skin or eye drops for the treatment of conjunctivitis. It is also used in the chemical industry for the production of plastics, in the paper industry and in textile dyes. In water technology, it is used to remove phosphates from wastewater.