What are some features of mercury?

Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element which looks like liquid silver (the element's commonly used nicknams is "quicksilver"), and possesses several rather unique properties. First of all, Hg is a metal - the only known metal that exists as liquid condition within the normal temperature and pressure conditions. It freezes at around -40 C, and boils at 357 C. Its unique electron configuration strongly resists any removal of electrones, causing Hg to behave almost inertly, similarly to the noble gases. Hg dissolves most of the metals, even gold, with just one known exception - iron. It is capable of evaporating, and its vapors are highly toxic to people, causing severe diseases and death.