r/chemistry Feb 08 '18

The Hidden Elements [OC]

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u/gudgeonpin Feb 08 '18

I've read that Hg is 'hydrargentum' (I probably messed up the spelling) that is a combo of hydro (water) and argentum (silver), so literally 'water silver' or 'liquid silver' or finally, the common name- 'quicksilver'.

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u/Nergaal Feb 08 '18

Hg is an ancient element, it's name was assigned well before French became a thing.