Mercury has a melting point of -38.87 °C (234.28 °K, -37.966 °F).

I also find conflicting information about it's freezing point. I see some sites saying it's freezing point is the same as it's melting point, but others say it freezes at -78 °F.

... so what happens to Mercury when it "melts"?

Melting is the opposite of freezing... so it makes sense that the transition is at the same temperature... :rolleyes:

Can you give the sites that give the freezing point as -78F

I think I have found the problem, The Mercury-Thallium alloy that is used in mercury thermometers has a melting point of -78F... This is where you/others might be getting confused.

Of course... Duh me! I was thinking too much, wondering what happened to it at that low temp... and the answer, of course, is it freezes.

Since you know what that is what is the boiling point?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sirbajesus2

since yall know what that is what is the boiling point?

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629.88 K from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)

Mercury has been used for centurys for gold prospecting.
Mercury will attach to the Gold forming an amalgam.
Then it can be heated in a Retort, so the Mecury Vaporizes, cooled down and reused again, and all that is left is the gold.
Mercury fumes are dangerous. I have heard it can vaporize at room temperature?