Native Mercury

Item Description

Native Mercury isn't terribly common, but it is seen from various localities including as a precipitate from hot springs and in volcanic regions. It is classified as mineral, despite the fact that it is a heavy, d-block element, and the only metallic element that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure. Mercury WILL crystallize (it's actually rhombic in habit) at -38_ F (-39_ C). This is a classic example of Native Mercury from the Socrates Mine featuring micro spherical "blebs" of "quicksilver" on host rock matrix. Interesting stuff to be sure, and not common on the market these days.