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Britannica Sources used in this answer

When did zinc production in India begin?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
A labeled diagram of the periodic table entry for zinc, showing its atomic number 30, symbol Zn, atomic weight 65.38, electron configuration, name, hexagonal crystal structure, solid state at room temperature, and classification as a transition metal.
zinc

The realization that metallic zinc could be produced by creating the metal as a vapour and subsequently condensing it was first achieved in India during the 13th or 14th century.12

Archaeological evidence from Zawar in Rajasthan, India, supports this timeline, as remains of a smelting industry dating back to the 14th century have been discovered at the site. This process involved the use of large numbers of small clay retorts charged with zinc oxide and charcoal, which were heated to facilitate the reduction of the ore.21