Have you ever seen mercury?How’s it looks like? Facts about Mercury the Element will inform you about a chemical element which has the symbol Hg, atomic number 80, and atomic mass 200.59 on the periodic table. Mercury is also called as quicksilver or hydrargyrum. Besides, mercury can dissolve and becomes a new substance or “an amalgam” when it comes into contact with other metals such as silver and gold, except iron. There are still many information about mercury that will be explained below.

Facts about Mercury the Element 1: History

In the past, mercury was used in the ancient civilizations such as Ancient Egypt and Ancient China since before 2000 BC. Qin Shi Huang (the first emperor of China) believed that mercury would help him to live forever. Unfortunately, his thought was wrong due to mercury was harmful.

Facts about Mercury the Element 2: Characteristics

A heavy, shiny, silvery are the characteristics of mercury. At room temperatures, the only metal that is liquid is mercury. Because the other elements such as gallium, caesium, and rubidium are liquid just above room temperature. Besides, mercury can be gained with reduction from the mineral cinnabar.

Facts about Mercury the Element 3: Isotopes

There are seven stable isotopes and numerous radioisotopes in Mercury. Mercury-202 is the most abundant mercury in nature.

Facts about Mercury the Element 4: The use of mercury

There are many applications of mercury, especially for the manufacture of industrial chemicals, electronic applications, electrical, scientific, and medical instruments such as thermometers, barometers, hydrometer, diffusion pump, esophageal dilators, cosmetics, telescopes, hygrometer, vaccines, sphygmomanometer, dental fillings, mercury vapor lamps, and fluorescent lamps.

Facts about Mercury the Element 5: The symbol Hg

The symbol Hg of mercury comes from Latin name “hydrargyrum” which means liquid silver.

Facts about Mercury the Element 6: Fish

Shark and swordfish are kind of fishes which contain high levels of mercury.

Facts about Mercury the Element 7: The freezing point of mercury

The freezing point of mercury is -38.8 degrees Celsius which as same as -38.8 degrees Fahrenheit and the boiling point is 356 degrees Celsius.

Facts about Mercury the Element 8: The largest producers of mercury

Today’s China and Kyrgyzstan are the
largest producers of mercury. Whereas Spain and Italy took that place for many years ago. For Spain, mercury were used for silver mining process in South America.

Facts about Mercury the Element 9: Mercury has been banned

In the Denmark, Sweden, and Nowway, the use of mercury gas been banned in manufacturing.

Facts about Mercury the Element 10: Poisonous element

Mercury belong to the poisonous element. It is very harmful for humans, even it can kill them. That’s why you should keep out the mercury of reach of children and don’t touch it!

We have talked facts about Mercury the Element. Do you know the other facts about it? Hopefully, this article will help you to know more about mercury. Enjoy reading!