Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a common inorganic compound with a large number of uses. It is insoluble in water but soluble in dilute acids and bases. Its melting point is extremely high—1975 ºC, where it also decomposes. ZnO exists in two common crystalline forms: wurtzite and zincblende.
Zinc oxide is a largely inert, white compound which is used very widely as a bulking agent or filler, and as a white pigment. It is found in some rubber, glass and ceramic products, and finds use in the chemical industry as a catalyst. It is also used in paints as a corrosion inhibitor and for mildew control.