Mercury (Hg): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Mercury is element 80 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a liquid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DMercury quick facts
| Atomic number | 80 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Hg |
| Atomic mass | 200.59 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 12, period 6 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Liquid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 2 |
| Discovered | Ancient times |
What is mercury used for?
- Thermometers & barometers (historical)
- Fluorescent tube lamps
- Gold ore extraction (amalgam process)
Interesting facts about mercury
- Mercury is one of only two elements liquid at room temperature (the other is bromine)
- The Mad Hatter stereotype comes from 19th-century hat makers who used mercury nitrate for felt treatment
- Mercury poisoning (Minamata disease) in Japan in the 1950s-60s caused severe neurological damage to thousands
Mercury has been known since ancient times, long before anyone could call it an element.
Where mercury sits on the periodic table
Mercury is in group 12, period 6. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Mercury questions
What is the atomic number of mercury?
Mercury has atomic number 80, so every mercury atom has 80 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Hg and its atomic mass is 200.59.
Is mercury a metal?
Mercury is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 12, period 6.
What is the electron configuration of mercury?
The electron configuration of mercury is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 2.
What is mercury used for?
Mercury is used for thermometers & barometers (historical), fluorescent tube lamps and gold ore extraction (amalgam process).
Who discovered mercury?
Mercury has been known since ancient times, long before anyone could call it an element.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.