Mercury is a rare liquid metallic element that occurs naturally as small, spherical, silvery-white droplets within hydrothermal deposits. It is most commonly found associated with cinnabar, which is its primary ore. Due to its toxicity and high density, collectors must handle samples with extreme caution and ensure they are properly encapsulated.

Hardness

inapplicable

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Mercury

Also: quicksilver, hydrargyrum

Hardness: inapplicable
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

Is this mercury?

4-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch mercury with a known reference. Mercury sits at Mohs inapplicable, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mercury typically shows a metallic luster.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: liquid drops.

Often found alongside mercury

Minerals reported to co-occur with mercury. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg
Mohs hardness: inapplicable
Density: 13.5 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Liquid Drops
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Scientific Instrument, Industrial, Historical Specimen
Host rock: Hydrothermal Vein Deposits Associated with Volcanic Activity
Typical price: $50-500 for small sealed vials depending on purity and provenance

Where rockhounds find mercury

11 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Almadén (Spain)
Idrija (Slovenia)
California (USA)
Huancavelica (Peru)

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal vein deposits associated with volcanic activity country, the host setting where mercury typically forms. If you start seeing cinnabar, calcite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a liquid drops habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Nevada, Texas. Start trip planning there.

Browse 11 U.S. spots for mercury →

More mercury photos

Common questions

How do you identify mercury?+

Mohs hardness is inapplicable. It typically shows a metallic luster. Common colors include silver-white.

Where is mercury found?+

Notable localities include Almadén (Spain); Idrija (Slovenia); California (USA); Huancavelica (Peru).

Can I find mercury in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 11 mercury rockhounding spots across 2 U.S. states. The top states are Nevada, Texas.

How much is mercury worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 for small sealed vials depending on purity and provenance. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is mercury safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Extremely toxic by ingestion, inhalation of vapors, and skin absorption. Must be stored in a sealed, shatterproof container away from heat sources. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with mercury?+

Mercury commonly co-occurs with cinnabar, calcite, pyrite, dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mercury form in?+

Mercury typically forms in hydrothermal vein deposits associated with volcanic activity. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mercury used for?+

Mercury is used in scientific instrument, industrial, historical specimen.

Find mercury on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.