History and Uses:

Mercury was known to the ancient Chinese, Hindus, and Egyptians. It was found in Egyptian tombs that date back to 1500 BC.  Ancient cultures believed mercury had healing properties and used it in ointments and cosmetics. It was named for the Roman god Mercury, the god of trade, profit, and commerce.

Mercury is a good conductor of electricity, but a poor conductor of heat. It forms alloys with almost all common metals easily. Mercury is a rare substance in the earth's crust and can be found as a native metal or in cinnabar, the most common ore of mercury.

The usage of mercury is mostly for the manufacturing of industrial chemicals or for electrical and electronic applications. Mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, and other laboratory instruments. The production of mercury thermometers and blood pressure devices has declined due to the hazardous properties of mercury. Mercury can also be found in batteries, pesticides, advertising signs, fluorescent lamps, and other products. Mercury must be handled with great care because its vapor, compounds, and salts are highly toxic.