 Discovery Information |
| Who: Known to the ancients |
|
| Name Origin |
| From the Greek god Mercury who was the messenger to the gods and was known for his speed; Hg from mercury's Latin name Hydrargyrum, which comes from the Greek word "hydrargyros" ("hydor" for water and "argyros" for silver). |
|
| Sources |
| Mercury is rarely found in native form. Most mercury is found in the minerals; cinnabar (the main source), corderoite, livingstonite as well as some others. 50% of the world's mercury comes from Spain and Slovenia, with much of the rest coming from Russia and the USA. |
|
| Uses |
| Used in thermometers, barometers, diffusion pumps, coulometers, fluorescent lamps, mercury switches, insectisides, and batteries. Gaseous mercury is used in mercury-vapour lamps. |
|
| Notes |
| Causes neurological and kidney damage and blindness. Also associated with birth defects. Very damaging to aquatic life. It is found in paint, batteries, thermometers, electrical equipment, fluorescent lights and plastics. Also used in gold mining industry. Batteries account for 88% of the mercury content in municipal solid waste |
| Because of mercury's ability to rapidly corrode aluminium, transport by aircraft is restricted. |
