Background Mercury is a lovely and unique mineral. It is the only metal that is a liquid at normal room temperatures.
Mercury flows so beautifully that it is also called quicksilver.
Ancient people in China, Egypt, Greece, India, and Rome knew about mercury, which was named for the swift messenger in Roman mythology. Mercury has many wonderful uses. It expands and shrinks evenly as the temperature rises and falls, making it perfect for filling thermometers. Mercury mixed with zinc and cadmium makes batteries last longer. It used to be used a lot in house paints to protect them from the elements, make them stronger, and to make wonderful red tints.