It occurs as white hexagonal crystals or a white powder commonly known as zinc white. It is also used as a filler for rubber goods and in coatings for paper. Chinese white is a special grade of zinc white used in artists' pigments. Because it absorbs ultraviolet light, zinc oxide can be used in ointments, creams, and lotions to protect against sunburn. Crystalline zinc oxide exhibits the piezoelectric effect, is luminescent, and is light sensitive.
Zinc oxide occurs in nature as the mineral zincite.
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.