Amalgam

An amalgam is a solution,liquid or solid, of a metal in mercury. It is a type of alloy. Many metals can dissolve in mercury. Amalgams are used in tooth fillings. Platinum and iron cannot form amalgams. Gold can dissolve in mercury, which is used to separate gold from its ore. Aluminum forms an amalgam which can react with water because the thin oxide coating on the aluminum is dissolved.

Related pages

• Chemical compound
• Mixture
• Alloy