amalgame

Amalgam, or amalgame, is an alloy formed when mercury is combined with other elements. The term can describe the alloy itself or the process of mixing called amalgamation. Amalgams bond with many metals and can be formed at or near room temperature.

In mining, mercury is used to extract noble metals from ore. The ore is mixed with mercury, which forms a soft amalgam with gold or silver. The amalgam is heated to vaporize mercury and recover the metal, a method that raises environmental and health concerns.

In dentistry, dental amalgam is a restorative material for fillings. It typically consists of mercury mixed with a powdered alloy of silver, tin, copper and sometimes zinc. After mixing, the material is packed into a cavity and hardens into a durable restoration.

Safety and regulation: Mercury vapor exposure is a primary concern with amalgams. Practices emphasize proper handling, ventilation and disposal. Some jurisdictions regulate or phase down mercury use; many dentists offer alternative materials such as composite resins.

History and etymology: The word amalgam derives from amalgama, with roots in Latin and possibly Arabic sources. Amalgamation has ancient mining applications and dental use expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries. Modern perspectives emphasize reducing mercury exposure while preserving function where needed.