Zinc is a bluish-white metal that was formally discovered in 1746. It is abundant and known for its anti-corrosive properties. Zinc can be traded through futures contracts on the MCX in India, with a contract size of 5 metric tons and a tick size of 0.05 rupees per kg. Key factors that affect zinc prices include production and consumption levels, Chinese demand and supply, global inventory data, US demand, and the overall health of the world economy. Major zinc producers include China, Peru, Australia, and the US.