What happens when you mix mercury with Aluminium?

What happens when you mix mercury with Aluminium?

When mercury is added to aluminum, it forms an amalgam (a mercury alloy). Aluminum is normally protected by a thick oxide layer, but the formation of the amalgam disrupts it. It allows fresh aluminum to react with air to form white aluminum oxide. As the oxide grows, it forms as these cool white fibers.

Things to observe and be careful with

When mercury (Hg) is mixed with aluminum (Al), the mercury forms an amalgam, or a mixture, with the aluminum. The mercury atoms bond to the surface of the aluminum, creating a metallic bond between the two elements. This mixture is not stable and it can release toxic fumes, which can cause health problems if inhaled. It is also highly flammable and should be handled with caution. It is not recommended to mix Mercury and Aluminum.