Mercury
Mercury was known to the ancient Chinese and Hindus and has been found in 3500 year old Egyptian tombs. ... Mercury is known as “quick silver” because it is liquid and is silver-white in appearance. Mercury is named from the Greek god Mercury who was the messenger to the gods and was known for his speed; Hg comes from mercurys Latin name Hydrargyrum, which comes from the Greek word "hydrargyros" ("hydor" for water and "argyros" for silver). Mercury is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). ... The alchemic symbol for mercury could also be used to represent the planet of the same name in astrology. Mercury has many unique physical properties. ... Though occasionally found as small liquid globules in rocks, it is usually mined from cinnabar, a mineral made from mercury and sulfur.