Mercury Is a God, a Planet and the Only Liquid Metal
Mercury is a silver metal that is liquid at room temperature. It shares its name with the fast-moving god and the fast-moving planet.
Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures, which is why alchemists called it *quicksilver* — silver that is alive. The name belongs first to the Roman messenger god, who gave it to the fastest-moving planet, which gave it to the fastest-moving metal. It is also highly toxic, and thermometers containing it have been withdrawn in most countries.
- A liquid metallic element. *Mercury in a barometer.*
- The planet closest to the sun. *Mercury takes 88 days to orbit.*
- The Roman messenger god. *Mercury with his winged sandals.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | mercury | Traces of mercury. |
| Adjective | mercurial | A mercurial temper. |
| Old name | quicksilver | A drop of quicksilver. |
| Symbol | Hg | Hg, from hydrargyrum. |
| Related | mercury poisoning | Chronic mercury poisoning. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Mercury thermometers have been phased out.Because of the toxicity risk if broken.
- He has a mercurial temperament.Meaning quick and unpredictable.
- Fish at the top of the food chain accumulate mercury.Which is why advice limits some species.
Facts about the element
- Symbol Hg — from Greek *hydrargyrum*, water-silver
- Liquid at room temperature — the only metal that is
- Toxic — especially as methylmercury in fish
- Once used in hat-making — the source of *mad as a hatter*
- Minamata Convention — the treaty limiting its use worldwide
From Latin *Mercurius*, the god of trade and messages. Alchemists linked metals to planets, and the fastest planet took the restless metal.
Why is the symbol Hg?
From the Latin *hydrargyrum*, itself from Greek for water-silver — a good description of a metal that pools like liquid.
Where does *mad as a hatter* come from?
From mercury used in treating felt for hats. Long exposure damaged hatters' nervous systems, causing tremors and confusion.