Mercury (element) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Temperature Scale (ITS-90). Gaseous mercury is used in mercury-vapor lamps and advertising signs. Mercury compounds are Web Encyclopedia4u.com. Mercury (element) General. Chemical series. transition metals. Appearance. Silvery white. Atomic Properties. Oxidation states (Oxide) 2, 1 (mildly basic) It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Mercury (element)". The Element Mercury - Basic Physical and Historical Information Phase at Room Temperature: Liquid. Element Classification: Metal Mercury was known to the ancient Chinese and Hindus and has been found in 3500 year old Egyptian Mercury; the element Mercury - liquid metal at room temperature The element MERCURY (Hg) is a metal which is liquid at room temperature! Mercury is a bit like LEAD but it's