Mercury is a dense, silvery metal that is liquid at ambient temperatures and has unique applications and significant toxicity concerns.
Properties of Mercury | It has high surface tension, forms amalgams with many metals and vaporizes to toxic mercury vapor at elevated temperatures.
Uses of Mercury | Historically used in thermometers, barometers, gold extraction and industrial processes; many uses have declined due to toxicity and regulation.
Isotopes of Mercury | Stable isotopes include Hg 196 to Hg 204; mercury is highly toxic to nervous systems and ecosystems and requires strict environmental and occupational controls.