Mercury is a dense liquid metal with useful physical properties but serious toxicity and environmental persistence.
Atomic number
80
Category
Transition metal
Period
6
Group
12
State
Liquid
Fun facts about Mercury
It is the only metallic element liquid under ordinary room conditions.
Mercury forms amalgams with many other metals.
Microorganisms can convert it into methylmercury, which accumulates in food webs.
Common uses of Mercury
Specialised scientific instruments
Some electrical switches and lamps
Historical gold and silver extraction
Where Mercury sits in the periodic table
Mercury is classified as a transition metal in period 6 and group 12 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is liquid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Hg with atomic number 80 and the listed atomic mass 200.59. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.