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.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NileRed Store - https://nilered.tv/store
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

■ NileRed is now available on Nebula! https://go.nebula.tv/nilered
(when signing up with this link, a portion of your membership directly supports the channel)

Join the community:
Patreon -   / nilered  
Discord -   / discord  
NileRed Newsletter - https://nile.red/home#newsletter

You can also find me here:
Facebook -   / nilered2  
Instagram -   / nile.red  
Twitter -   / nilered2  

Nile talks about lab safety:    • Chemistry is dangerous.  

Music in credits (Walker by SORRYSINES):   / walker