Elements+and+their+histories+task+4

Mercury- ** was known to the ancient World which dates back from 1500 BC. Ancient Greeks used mercury in ointments and the Romans used mercury in cosmetics. In fact mercury was used in many different ways some of these uses were: cosmetics, for healing/medical and hat making these are the main uses. One way was ‘Carroting’ this was the method used to make felt hats, although it released toxic gases which affected the hatter, this explains the expression: ‘Mad as a Hatter’. The appearance of Mercury is liquid and silver. Its chemical symbol is HG which comes from the Latin word hydrargyrum.
 * Elements and their Histories **

Potassium is used in many things, some examples are: glass, soap, medical, fertilisers, colour fireworks, and gunpowder. It makes up 2.4% of the earth crust. It is a metal; its colour is a silvery-grey. Gold – ** archaeologists have found that gold was used way back during the times of the Egyptians. They have found golden inscriptions on their tombs and also found them buried with gold jewellery. They have found that gold was used by the ancient South Americans, Asians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Gold is used for many things which include jewellery, currency/coins, electronics, dental awards and many more. There was also a gold rush in Australia where people from many countries came to mine for gold. Gold is a metal which is solid and heavy. It is bright yellow and when polished gives off an amazing shine. The chemical symbol AU comes from the Latin word Aurum. Iron – ** it is believed that iron was first discovered by Ancient Egyptians in 4000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians made tools and jewellery out of Iron. Iron is the most used metal and is very important in our world today. During the Iron Age which began in 1200 BC people started to use Iron. When they figured out how to separate it from compounds they were able to make Tools, Weapons and household items. There are many uses which include: Vehicles, construction, machinery, trains and train tracks, Electrical appliances, and tools and utensils. The chemical symbol FE stands for the Latin word Ferrum. Iron is a silvery-white colour or sort of greyish.
 * Potassium – ** was first discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807. The chemical symbol for potassium is K which comes from the Latin word Kalium.