Mercury is a chemical element used in various modern applications, ranging from the production of industrial chemicals, thermometers, electric appliances and cosmetic products. Mercury is the only known metal that holds a liquid state at natural conditions of temperature and pressure.
The history of mercury use dates back as far as 1500 B.C, and was historically used for various purposes by the Chinese, Greek and Tibetan cultures. It was thought that mercury could be used as a medicine, and was implemented in various ointments and tinctures intended to prolong life, increase vitality and even heal flesh wounds and broken bones. Mercury was also favoured by alchemists, thought to be an important part of the process in the transmutation of precious metals.
Mercury is a rare element found in the earth's crust. It is found in high concentrations naturally in cinnabar deposits, which are usually found in areas close to volcanic activity.