Mercury specific weight: weight of 1 liter and 1 m³

Mercury is a dangerous liquid metal familiar from older thermometers. At room temperature it is liquid, and its density is so high that heavy metals such as lead or iron can float in it. At 20 °C, mercury density is about 13.546 g/cm³, or approximately 13,546 kg/m³. As temperature rises, the density gradually decreases.

Mercury received its name Hydrargyrum because of its silvery fluidity, from the words for water and silver; the Russian name comes from a Proto-Slavic word meaning “to roll”.

When the temperature drops to -39 °C, mercury changes its aggregate state and becomes a solid substance with clearly expressed metallic properties. The belonging of Hg to metals was first proven by Lomonosov and Braun in 1759, although the substance had been known to humanity for a very long time. The ancient Greeks skillfully used mercury and knew about its poisonous effect. Alchemists used mercury in experiments for a long time, hoping to create gold.

Where it occurs

Mercury is not widespread in nature. Its content in the earth’s crust is no more than 83 mg/t; however, the concentration of mercury ores is quite high because this element binds rather easily with other substances. The richest ores contain up to 2.5% mercury; this is natural cinnabar, a mineral with bright red spots that gradually become covered with light tarnish on a fracture due to oxidation processes. Very rarely, native mercury occurs as droplets on rocks.

Effect on the human body

Mercury is a toxic substance, and the danger is often not noticeable immediately. In everyday situations, the main risk is not the mass of the metal itself, but mercury vapor and prolonged exposure to the body.

Mercury is dangerous primarily because of toxic vapor. Even at room temperature it evaporates, and inhaled vapor can cause poisoning and affect the nervous system. If mercury is spilled, it should not be collected with a vacuum cleaner or broom; ventilate the room and follow sanitary or emergency service guidance.