What is Elemental (Metallic) Mercury?
Elemental or metallic mercury is a shiny, silver-white metal,
Elemental (Metallic) mercury is also known as quicksilver. (1)
Elemental mercury is an element that has not reacted with another substance. (1) When elemental mercury reacts with another substance, it forms a compound, such as inorganic mercury salts or methylmercury. (1)
What does elemental (metallic) mercury look like?
It is liquid at room temperature. (1)
Where is elemental (metallic) mercury located?
It is used in older thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs and some electrical switches.
What does elemental (metallic) mercury do?
When dropped, elemental mercury breaks into smaller droplets which can go through small cracks or become strongly attached to certain materials. (1) At room temperature, exposed elemental mercury can evaporate to become an invisible, odorless toxic vapor. (1) If heated, it is a colorless, odorless gas. (1)
Resources
1. https://www.epa.gov/mercury/basic-information-about-mercury
