How was mercury (element) discovered?

Mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, manometers, sphygmomanometers, float valves, mercury switches, mercury relays, fluorescent lamps and other devices, though concerns about the element's toxicity have led to mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers being largely phased out in clinical environments in favor of alternatives such as alcohol- or galinstan-filled glass thermometers and thermistor- or infrared-based electronic instruments. read more

Mercury is not found free in nature and is primarily derived from the mineral cinnabar. Nearly half of all mercury is produced by Spain and Italy. More commonly known as quicksilver, it is the only metallic element that is liquid at room temperature (standard conditions for temperature and pressure). read more

Mercury is pronounced as MER-kyoo-ree. History and Uses: Mercury was known to the ancient Chinese and Hindus and has been found in 3500 year old Egyptian tombs. Mercury is not usually found free in nature and is primarily obtained from the mineral cinnabar (HgS). Spain and Italy produce about half of the world's supply of Mercury. read more