Mercury
🌡️ In Your World
Mercury is the only metallic element that is liquid at room temperature. This unique property made it useful in old-style thermometers and barometers. It is also used in fluorescent lamps and some electrical switches. Historically, it was used to form amalgams with gold and silver to extract them from ore, and in dentistry for fillings, though these uses are now limited due to its toxicity.
📖 The Discovery Story
Mercury is one of the seven metals of antiquity, known to ancient civilizations like the Chinese, Hindus, and Egyptians. Its symbol, Hg, comes from its Greek name, hydrargyrum, which means "water-silver," perfectly describing its liquid, silvery appearance. The common name "mercury" comes from the Roman god of speed and commerce, likely due to its fluid and mobile nature.
📊 Properties at a Glance
| Phase at STP | Liquid |
| Melting Point | -38.83 °C / -37.89 °F |
| Boiling Point | 356.73 °C / 674.11 °F |
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴5d¹⁰6s² |
| Abundance in Earth's Crust | 0.0000085% |
⚠️ Safety & Handling
Mercury and most of its compounds are extremely toxic. It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as vapor. Chronic exposure can cause severe damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and brain. The historical use of mercury in felt hat production led to the neurological disorder that inspired the phrase "mad as a hatter." It must be handled with extreme caution.