What is Mercury? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts
What is Mercury?
Mercury is the third element in the twelfth column of the periodic table. It is classified as a transition metal. The mercury atom has 80 electrons and 80 protons with 122 neutrons in the most abundant isotope form.
Characteristics and Properties
Under normal conditions, mercury is a heavy, shiny, silvery liquid. It is the only liquid metal at room temperature. It evaporates into the air at room temperature.
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Mercury is very toxic and can be absorbed by humans through the air, through the skin, or by eating foods containing mercury. Too much mercury can kill a person.
When mercury comes into contact with other metals, it dissolves them and forms a new substance called an amalgam. Iron is one of the few exceptions and is therefore often used to contain mercury.
Highlights of Mercury:
| Symbol | Hg |
| Atomic Number | 80 |
| Atomic Weight | 200.59 |
| Classification | Transition metal |
| Phase at Room Temperature | Liquid |
| Density | 13.534 grams per cm cubed |
| Melting Point | 38.83°C, -37.89°F |
| Boiling Point | 356.7°C, 674.1°F |
| Discovered by | Known about since ancient times |
Where is it found on Earth?
Mercury is a very rare element found in the earth’s crust. It is sometimes found in the free state, but is more commonly found in ores such as cinnabar, livingstonite, and corderoite. Today, most mercury is produced by mining cinnabar, a bright red mineral.
How is Mercury used today?
Mercury is used in many applications, but some of these are being phased out due to health concerns. Because of its high density and thermal expansion properties, it is used in measuring instruments such as thermometers and barometers. A major application today is in fluorescent and mercury vapor lamps.
Other uses of mercury include dental fillings, telescopes, cosmetics, and vaccines.
How was it discovered?
Mercury has been known since ancient times and was used by civilizations such as ancient Egypt and ancient China. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, believed that mercury was part of the elixir of life that would keep him alive forever. Unfortunately, mercury is toxic and consuming mercury may have killed him.
For many years, alchemists believed that mercury was the “primary matter” and that all other metals could be made from mercury. They thought they could use mercury to make gold.
Where did Mercury get its name?
Mercury takes its name from the planet Mercury named after the nimble messenger of the Roman gods, Mercury. It is given this name because it flows very quickly in liquid form. The symbol Hg comes from the Latin word “hydragyrum” which means “liquid silver”.
Isotopes
Mercury has seven stable isotopes. The most abundant mercury in nature is mercury-202 consisting of about 30% of total mercury.
Interesting Facts about Mercury
Although the only liquid metal at room temperature, mercury has the smallest liquid range of all metals. It becomes solid at -38.83°C and gaseous at 356.7°C.
Certain types of fish, such as swordfish and shark, can contain high levels of mercury.
The use of mercury in manufacturing has been banned in several countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
The term “mad hat maker” comes from the fact that hat makers go crazy from inhaling mercury vapor from the chemicals they use to make their hats.
Never hold mercury in your hand as it can seep through your skin and poison you. Mercury should not be left outdoors because the mercury will evaporate into the air and can be toxic to you when inhaled.