What is another name for mercury?

Mercury is also known as quicksilver. It is named after the Roman messenger of the gods, Mercurius. Mercury was also known as hydrargyrum from the Latin word hydrargyrus. Its chemical symbol, Hg, was derived from the word hydrargyrum.

Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure. It does not occur as a metal in nature and is derived from naturally occurring minerals such as cinnabar and cinnabarite. Mercury can be found in fluorescent bulbs and some thermometers and barometers.

Mercury is a known heavy metal toxin and can enter the body by inhalation or ingestion. It causes damage to the brain, kidneys and lungs. For safety purposes, mercury should only be handled by specially trained personnel.