Mercury (Hg)
Mercury (Hg)
Mercury is the only metal that's a liquid at room temperature. It's found chiefly in cinnabar ore.
A heavy, silvery-white, mercury is a poor heat conductor, but a fair electrical conductor. It easily forms amalgams or alloys with many metals.
Mercury is a cumulative poison and can be absorbed through unbroken skin or the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Methyl mercury, a dangerous pollutant, is commonly found in water and streams.
Mercury has been used in thermometers, barometers, diffusion pumps, mercury-vapor lamps, advertising signs, electronic apparatus, pesticides, chemical manufacturing, dental products, paint, batteries, and catalysts.