Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound with the formula ZnO. It usually appears as a white powder, nearly insoluble in water.

   The powder is widely used as an additive into numerous materials and products including plastics, ceramics, glass, cement, rubber (e. G., car tires), lubricants, [2] paints, ointments, adhesives, sealants, pigments, foods (source of Zn nutrient), batteries, ferrites, fire retardants, first aid tapes, etc. ZnO is present in the Earth's crust as the mineral zincite; However, most ZnO used commercially is produced synthetically.