-Cd- is a chemical element with atomic number 48. Cadmium is a byproduct of Zinc production; cadmium has some practical uses, such as non-corrosion coating on steel, and as a plastic stabilizer. Cadmium is soft, bluish-white, malleable, and ductile. 86% of the Cadmium used today is used in rechargeable batteries. The main deposits are found off the coast of China / Japan, Mexico, and New England / Canada.