Why was mercury considered a metal even in ancient times?

[tarekatpf]

Today we know that mercury is a metal even though it's a liquid, because we already know its position in periodic table, its ability to conduct electricity, but these features of mercury were not known in ancient times ( for example, in the age of great greek philosophers). Yet it was considered a metal. Why? Because it was shiny and heavy?

 

[UltrafastPED]

Yes, because it presents a metallic surface - and because it was mined from rocks.

Here is some information on mercury in antiquity:
http://www.cityofbaraboo.com/vertic...BD998BCA20}/uploads/Mercury_All_Around_Us.pdf

 

[tarekatpf]

Thank you very much.