Body Piercing Glossary

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Xiphisternum

• The pointy piece of cartilage at the inferior aspect of the sternum or breastbone.
• Included here simply because the letter "X" would otherwise miss out. Nature abhors a vacuum.

Yellow Gold

• An alloy of fine gold, fine copper and silver.
• More silver is used than copper, making the colour yellow rather than pink or rose.

Zircon

• A mineral yielding brilliant clear gemstones called "cubic zircons" or "cubic zirconia".
• A cheap alternative to diamond.
• Chemical formula ZrSiO₄.

Zinc

• A bluish white metal.
• Atomic Number 30
• Chemical Symbol "Zn".
• Melting point 420^oC
• Important in the synthesis of collagen which is required for healing piercings.
• Available as a supplement in tablet form from drug stores.
• Recommended