Named after the planet Mercury . Spain and Italy produce about half of the world's supply of Mercury. Mercury can be used to make thermometers, barometers and other scientific instruments. Mercury conducts electricity and is used to make silent, position dependent switches.
Mercury vapor is used in streetlights, fluorescent lamps and advertising signs.
Mercury easily forms alloys with other metals, such as gold , silver , zinc and cadmium . These alloys are called amalgams. Mercury forms useful compounds with other elements. Mercury is poisonous and can enter the body through the respiratory tract, the digestive tract or directly through the skin. It accumulates in the body, eventually causing severe illness or death.