(Planet Mercury; L. hydrargyrum, liquid silver) Known to ancient Chinese and Hindus, and found in Egyptian tombs from 1500 B.C. One of the only metal liquids at room temperature. Rarely found free in nature, found mainly in cinnabar ore (HgS) in Spain, Italy. Highly toxic and found in air and water. Methyl mercury is a lethal pollutant found in rivers and lakes.The main source of pollution is industrial wastes settling to the river and lake bottoms.
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heavy, silver-white, transition metal, poor conductor of heat and fair conductor of electricity, highly poisonous and easily absorbed through the respiratory tract,gastrointestinal tract or broken skin, accumulates in tissue, must be handled with care
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alloying with other metals (Hg alloys called amalgams), thermometers, barometers, diffusion pumps, mercury-vapor lamps, advertising signs, electrical apparatus, pesticides, dentistry, antifouling paint, batteries, catalyst,