Specifications of silver liquid mercury

The term „silver mercury“ refers to elemental mercury (Hg), also known as quicksilver, a heavy, silvery-white metal that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Universal Chemical Trading https://uctr-gmbh.de is the manufacturer of silver liquid mercury. It is a unique chemical element with specific physical and chemical properties that make it valuable in certain industrial, scientific, and historical applications, though its use is heavily restricted due to its toxicity and environmental impact. Below, I provide a detailed overview of the specifications of silver liquid mercury, based on its chemical and physical properties, purity standards, and regulatory considerations, drawing from credible sources such as scientific literature and regulatory guidelines. I will also address safety and compliance aspects, ensuring alignment with EU and international standards, as mercury is regulated under frameworks like the EU Mercury Regulation (2017/852) and the Minamata Convention.

Detailed Specifications of Silver Liquid Mercury

1. Chemical and Physical Properties

Silver liquid mercury, or elemental mercury (Hg, atomic number 80), has the following key characteristics:

• Chemical Formula: Hg
• Molecular Weight: 200.61 g/mol
• Appearance: Shiny, silver-white liquid with a mirror-like luster, free of mechanical impurities (e.g., sand, ash).
• Physical State: Liquid at standard temperature and pressure (25°C, 1 atm), one of only two elements (alongside bromine) that is liquid under these conditions.en.wikipedia.org
• Density:
  • Liquid: 13.546 g/cm³ at 25°C
  • Solid: 14.184 g/cm³ (upon freezing, volume decreases by 3.59%).
  • Specific Gravity: 13.59 (water = 1) at 4°C.

• Melting Point: -38.89°C (-37.80°F), the lowest among stable metals.
• Boiling Point: 356.72°C (674.10°F).
• Vapor Pressure: 0.002 mm Hg at 25°C, indicating trace volatilization at room temperature, producing toxic, odorless vapor.
• Vapor Density: 7.0 (air = 1).
• Viscosity: 15.5 mPa·s at 25°C.
• Solubility:
  • Insoluble in water, hydrochloric acid, and dilute sulfuric acid.
  • Soluble in nitric acid, aqua regia, and hot concentrated sulfuric acid.
• Thermal Conductivity: Poor conductor of heat compared to other metals, but a fair conductor of electricity.
• Coefficient of Volume Expansion:
  • 181.59 × 10⁻⁶ per °C at 0°C
  • 181.71 × 10⁻⁶ per °C at 20°C
  • 182.50 × 10⁻⁶ per °C at 100°C.
• Reactivity:
  • Does not react with most acids (e.g., dilute sulfuric acid) but dissolves in oxidizing acids (e.g., concentrated sulfuric acid, nitric acid, aqua regia) to form sulfate, nitrate, or chloride compounds.
  • Reacts with atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and solid sulfur flakes (used in spill kits).
  • Forms amalgams with metals like gold, silver, and aluminum, but not iron, platinum, or certain transition metals (e.g., manganese, copper, zinc).
• CAS Number: 7439-97-6
• EINECS Number: 231-106-7

2. Purity Standards

Silver liquid mercury is available in various purity grades, depending on the application. Common specifications include:

• Lab Grade: 99.99% purity, suitable for educational research and training due to potential impurities not meeting official standards.
• Prime Virgin Mercury: 99.999% purity, free from heavy metals (e.g., iron <0.0002%, other heavy metals as lead <0.0004%, total burning residue <0.001%). Used in high-precision applications like gold mining, analytical chemistry, and scientific instruments.
• Quadruple Distilled ACS Grade: 99.9995% purity, used for ultra-sensitive applications where contaminants must be minimized.
• Executive Standard: Often complies with GB913-85 (Chinese standard for high-purity mercury).

Note: Suppliers often emphasize 99.999% purity for industrial and mining applications, ensuring minimal impurities for optimal performance.

3. Packaging and Storage

Due to mercury’s toxicity and volatility, strict packaging and storage protocols are required:

• Packaging:
  • Supplied in sealed steel or iron cylinders (typically 34.5 kg net weight) or polypropylene bottles (e.g., 1 kg, 100 g, 250 g, 500 g) to prevent leaks and contamination.
  • Containers must be UN-certified for hazardous materials, labeled per EU CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008) with “Toxic” and “Environmentally Hazardous” warnings.
• Storage Conditions:
  • Store in secure, well-ventilated areas at 5–25°C to minimize vapor release.
  • Use corrosion-resistant containers (e.g., iron, as mercury does not form amalgams with iron).
  • Restrict access to authorized personnel to comply with EU Mercury Regulation (2017/852).

4. Industrial Applications

Silver liquid mercury has niche, regulated applications due to its unique properties (e.g., density, conductivity, liquid state). Its use is declining due to toxicity concerns and regulatory restrictions, but key applications include:

• Gold Mining and Amalgamation:
  • Used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASM) to form amalgams with gold, facilitating extraction from ore. Mercury is heated to separate gold, though this practice is heavily restricted under the Minamata Convention due to environmental and health risks.
• Scientific Instruments:
  • Employed in thermometers, barometers, manometers, and sphygmomanometers due to its thermal expansion and density. Largely replaced by safer alternatives like gallium or digital sensors.
• Electronics and Electrical Applications:
  • Used in tilt switches, relays, and mercury vapor lamps (e.g., fluorescent bulbs, streetlights) for its conductivity and ability to produce UV light. Phased out in many regions under EU RoHS Directive.
• Chemical Synthesis:
  • Acts as a catalyst or reagent in specialized reactions, such as in analytical chemistry or electroplating.
• Lighting Industry:
  • Used in mercury vapor lamps and fluorescent bulbs for efficient UV light production, though LEDs are replacing these due to environmental concerns.
• Historical Uses:
  • Previously used in batteries (mercury cells), dental amalgams, and preservatives, but banned in most consumer products in the EU and globally since the 1990s.

Note: Many applications are being phased out under the Minamata Convention and EU regulations, with alternatives like gallium, digital sensors, and LEDs preferred for safety.

5. Safety Specifications and Protocols

Mercury’s high toxicity (neurological, kidney, and immune system damage) requires stringent safety measures:

• Toxicity:
  • Inhalation of mercury vapor or skin contact can cause mercury poisoning, leading to tremors, memory loss, and organ damage.en.wikipedia.orgepa.gov
  • Classified as acutely toxic (H300/H310/H330) and environmentally hazardous (H410) under EU CLP Regulation.
• Handling:
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE): chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber or nitrile), full-face respirators with mercury vapor cartridges, safety goggles, and coveralls.
  • Handle in well-ventilated areas with HEPA filtration to capture vapors.
• Spill Management:
  • Use mercury spill kits (sulfur flakes, activated carbon, or zinc powder) to absorb and neutralize spills. Dispose of waste as hazardous per EU Directive 2008/98/EC.
  • Monitor air quality with mercury vapor detectors (e.g., ION Science MVI) to ensure levels remain below the EU-OSHA occupational exposure limit (0.02 mg/m³).
• Exposure Response:
  • Rinse skin or eyes with water for 15 minutes upon contact. Seek immediate medical attention. Ensure safety data sheets (SDS) are accessible.
• Environmental Protection:
  • Prevent release into water or soil, as mercury bioaccumulates in ecosystems. Comply with EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).

6. Regulatory Compliance

Silver liquid mercury is heavily regulated due to its environmental and health risks:

• EU Mercury Regulation (2017/852):
  • Restricts mercury use in products and processes (e.g., bans in chlor-alkali production, dental amalgams).
  • Requires safe storage, disposal, and export notifications.cavinresource.com
• REACH (EC No 1907/2006):
  • Mercury is a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC). Suppliers must register and verify end-users for industrial use.cavinresource.com
• CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008):
  • Requires proper labeling as toxic and environmentally hazardous.cavinresource.com
• Minamata Convention (2013):
  • Global treaty to reduce mercury use and emissions. Prohibits new mercury mines and phases out certain applications.cavinresource.com
• German Regulations:
  • Governed by the Chemicals Act (Chemikaliengesetz) and Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV). The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) oversees compliance.cavinresource.com
• Transport:
  • Must comply with the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), using UN-approved containers (e.g., UN 2809 for mercury).cavinresource.com

7. Availability and Sourcing

• Suppliers: Reputable suppliers (e.g., Lab Alley, China Mercury Industry) offer mercury with 99.99% to 99.9995% purity, packaged in iron cylinders (34.5 kg) or plastic bottles (1 kg).laballey.comliquid-mercury.com
• Pricing: Varies widely, e.g., ₹6,500–45,000/kg in India (indicative, 2021 data), $450/kg in the US (2025 data). Prices depend on purity, quantity, and market demand.connect2india.comtrade-metal.com
• Verification: Buyers must provide documentation proving legitimate industrial use (e.g., REACH registration, business license) to comply with regulations.cavinresource.com

8. Myths and Clarifications

• Red Mercury Hoax: Some sources mention “red mercury” alongside silver mercury, but red mercury is a debunked myth with no scientific basis. It is often confused with mercury compounds like mercuric sulfide (cinnabar) or mercury iodide. Legitimate suppliers focus solely on elemental mercury.cavinresource.comsilvermercuryhg.com
• Quality Assurance: Reputable suppliers ensure mercury is free of heavy metals and impurities, meeting standards like GB913-85 or ACS grade.silvermercuryhg.comsilvermercuryhg.com

Critical Notes

• Regulatory Restrictions: Mercury’s use is declining due to bans under the Minamata Convention and EU regulations. Alternatives (e.g., gallium for thermometers, LEDs for lighting) are preferred for safety and sustainability.caluanieoxidizefactory.com
• Health and Environmental Risks: Mercury’s toxicity and bioaccumulation necessitate strict handling and disposal protocols. Non-compliance can lead to severe health and legal consequences.epa.gov
• Sourcing Caution: Only procure from verified suppliers with certifications (e.g., ISO9001, REACH compliance). Avoid suppliers promoting unregulated or suspicious uses (e.g., “red mercury”).chemicalbook.com

Conclusion

Silver liquid mercury (Hg, CAS No. 7439-97-6) is a unique liquid metal with a density of 13.546 g/cm³, melting point of -38.89°C, and boiling point of 356.72°C. Its high purity (99.99–99.9995%) makes it suitable for niche applications like gold mining, scientific instruments, and electronics, though its use is heavily restricted due to toxicity. Safety protocols (PPE, ventilation, spill kits) and compliance with EU and international regulations (e.g., REACH, Minamata Convention) are critical. When sourcing, verify supplier credentials and ensure regulatory compliance to avoid legal and health risks.

If you need further details, specific supplier recommendations, or assistance with compliance checks, let me know, and I can provide additional support!