• Name: Mercury

  • Symbol: Hg

  • Number of Energy Levels: 6

  • Electrons on the outer energy level: 2

  • Atomic Number: 80

  • Atomic Mass: 200.59 Amu

  • Protons / Electrons: 80

  • Neutrons: 121

  • Density: 13.456 g/cm3

  • Classification: Transition Metal

Top 17 interesting facts about Mercury

  • Mercury has been known since ancient times. Its name derives from the name of the planet Mercury and its symbol drives from the Latin word "hydrargyrum" which means "liquid silver".
  • Mercury's melting point is at -38.87 C (234.28 K, -37.966 F) and its boiling point is at 356.58 C (629.73 K, 673.844 F).
  • Mercury is also known as "quick silver".
  • Mercury has a silvery-white color.
  • Mercury is a heavy metal.
  • Mercury is a liquid at standard temperature; although it is a metal (it is the only metal that is a liquid in normal conditions of temperature and pressure).
  • Although mercury is a liquid, a coin floats if placed on mercury.
  • Mercury reacts with a few of the concentrated acids and with aqua regia.
  • Mercury dissolves gold and silver and readily reacts with aluminum.
  • Mercury has seven stable isotopes: 196-Hg, 198-Hg, 199-Hg, 200-Hg, 201-Hg, 202-Hg (the most abundant), and 204-Hg.
  • Mercury is a very rare element in Earth's crust.
  • Cinnabar is the most common ore of mercury.
  • Production of mercury is very hazardous.
  • China and Kyrgyzstan are the main producers of mercury.
  • Mercury is used in the production of caustic soda and chlorine, in high temperature thermometers, liquid mirror telescopes, and in few other niche applications (such as some fluorescent lamps and different laboratory uses).
  • Mercury use is much banned due to its toxicity.
  • Mercury and the vast majority of its compounds are very toxic.