Mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2), also known as Calomel, is a typical mercury-containing mineral found in nature. In this work, the leaching behaviour of pure mercurous chloride dissolved in pure water and in thiosulfate solution was investigated.
Mercurous chloride finds uses as a purgative (laxative), and in the preparation of insecticides and medicines. It has also been used to treat infections of intestinal worms and as a fungicide (a substance used to kill fungi and prevent fungal growth) in agriculture.
Mercuric chloride has an estimated human fatal dose of between 1 and 4 g.