Zinc is a chemical element, a low-melting metal of Group 12 (IIb, or zinc group) of the periodic table, that is essential to life and is one of the most widely used metals. Zinc is of considerable commercial importance. A little more abundant than copper, zinc makes up an average of 65 grams (2.3 ounces) of every ton of Earth’s crust. The chief zinc mineral is the sulfide sphalerite (zinc blende), which, together with its oxidation products smithsonite and hemimorphite, constitute nearly all of the world’s zinc ore. 

1. Chelated Zinc: Chelated zinc is a form of zinc that has undergone a chelation process. A process where organic molecules have been given an electrical charge that allows them to positively attract a charged mineral like zinc. 
2. Zinc Orotate: Zinc orotates are mineral salts of orotic acid, used by plants and animals to make DNA and RNA. Orotate salts, being neutrally charged, pass easily through cell membranes. In effect, orotate ferries the mineral atoms into cells and tissues, producing higher concentrations. 
3. Zinc Gluconate: Zinc gluconate is the zinc salt of gluconic acid. Zinc gluconate is a popular form for the delivery of zinc as a dietary supplement.
4. Zinc Picolinate: Zinc picolinate is a form of zinc that has been chelated to picolinic amino acids.
5. Zinc Oxide: Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound commonly used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as burns, cuts, and diaper rash. It is also seen in products like baby powder, calamine cream, anti-dandruff shampoos, and antiseptic ointments. 
6. Zinc Sulfate: Zinc sulfate is an inorganic form of zinc that is non-chelated.
7. Zinc Acetate: Zinc acetate is also known as zinc salt dehydrate. Zinc acetates are prepared by the action of acetic acid on zinc carbonate or zinc metal. When used as a food additive, it has the E number E650.