About

Mercury is the only metallic element that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure, a property that makes it unique. This heavy, silvery-white metal is used in thermometers, barometers, and fluorescent lighting. It forms alloys called amalgams with other metals like gold and silver. It and its compounds are highly toxic, and its use is now heavily restricted.

Atomic Properties

Atomic Number80

Atomic Weight200.592 u

Neutrons (common)122

Electron Configuration[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s²

Full Configuration1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹⁴ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d¹⁰ 6s²

Electrons per Shell2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 2

Electronegativity2

Electron Affinity-48 kJ/mol

Oxidation States0, +1, +2

Covalent Radius149 pm

Van der Waals Radius155 pm

Ionic Radius102 pm

Periodic Table Position

Group12

Period6

BlockD

Chemical SeriesTransition metals

Physical Properties

State at STPliquid

Appearancesilvery-white

Crystal Structurerhombohedral

Magnetic Orderingdiamagnetic

Speed of Sound1,570 m/s

Thermal Properties

Melting Point234.321 K

Boiling Point629.88 K

Triple Point234.316 K

Thermal Expansion0 1/K

Thermal Conductivity8.3 W/(m·K)

Specific Heat0.14 J/(g·K)

Molar Heat28 J/(mol·K)

Heat of Fusion2.29 kJ/mol

Heat of Vaporization59.11 kJ/mol

Abundance

In Earth's Crust0.085 ppm

In Ocean0 ppm

In Solar System0 ppm

In Human Body0.19 ppm

In Universe0.001 ppm

Discovery

Discovered byAncient civilizations

Discovery YearKnown since antiquity

Occurrenceprimordial

CAS Number7439-97-6

Electron Configuration

Energy

↿⇂

Isotopes of Mercury

Symbol ▲	Mass (u) ▲	Abundance ▲	Half-life ▲	Decay Mode ▲
¹⁹⁶Hg	195.965830	0.15%	Stable	Stable
¹⁹⁸Hg	197.966760	10.04%	Stable	Stable
¹⁹⁹Hg	198.968280	16.94%	Stable	Stable
²⁰⁰Hg	199.968320	23.14%	Stable	Stable
²⁰¹Hg	200.970300	13.17%	Stable	Stable
²⁰²Hg	201.970640	29.74%	Stable	Stable
²⁰⁴Hg	203.973490	6.82%	Stable	Stable

Interactive Visualization

Explore the 3D Bohr model of Mercury in our interactive viewer.

View 3D Model of Mercury