English: Mercury (latin hydrargyrum = liquid silver) is shiny and silvery and the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. It is known since ancient times, when it was believed to be something magical and a cure. It was used for various obscure things, like for decoration in fountains and even was drunk against constipation. More recently it was and still is used in thermometers and barometers and in amalgams as filling for our teeth. Elemental mercury is very toxic, so it should be avoided and not be used, if there are alternatives. Where mercury is released, it is a big problem for the environment. 6 grams pure mercury. Diameter of the inner disc: 2 cm.