Mercury
Atomic Number: 80
Atomic Weight: 200.59
Element Group: Transition Metals
Sub-Group: Assassin's Ally
Phase at Room Temperature: Liquid
I’m probably the most interesting element, yet no one likes me because of my deadly nature! I melt at -37 degrees F, which means I’m a metallic, slippery liquid at room temperature, a remarkable elemental feat. Unfortunately, I give off deadly vapors, and contact with me can lead to insanity. Hat makers used to use me when they made their product, and from their mental demise came the term “Mad Hatter”.
Miners once found a cave in Spain where I dripped from the walls. The unwitting miners filled bath tubs with my atoms and floated on the surface. Because I’m a heavy metal like regular metals, lead, cue balls, and even humans float neatly on my surface. Although I am truly remarkable, I'm part of the gang of elements in the "Assassin's Alley*". You can find me and my murderous brethren near the lower right hand side of the Periodic Table.
I do wish I wasn’t so poisonous, then people would like me more and would be able to admire my amazing talents!
*The term "Assassin's Alley" isn't universally recognized.
The Assassin's Alley has its name because the elements located there are highly poisonous or toxic. It loosely consists of Mercury (80), Thallium (81), Cadmium (48), Lead (82), Polonium (84) and Astatine (85), all of which can kill or poison human bodies.
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