(a) A combination or alloy in which one of the constituents is mercury. Usually the term is applied to an alloy of a single metal with mercury. Some metals readily form amalgams; such metals are: Gold, zinc, silver, lead and others; some, such as platinum and iron, form amalgams only under exceptional circumstances. (b) The word is also applied to compositions for application to the cushions of frictional electric machine in which cases it is often a misnomer. True amalgams used for this purpose are made as follows: (a) Tin, 1 part;  Zinc, 1 part;  Mercury, 2 parts (Kienmayer). (b) Tin, 2 parts; Zinc, 3 parts. (c) Tin, 3 parts; Zinc, 5 parts; Mercury, 4 parts. (d) Zinc, 1 part: Mercury, 4 parts; Mercury, 9 parts.  [sic] The tin, if such is used, (formula a, b and c) is first melted, the zinc is added in successive portions. The mercury, which must be heated, is slowly poured into the melted alloy after removal of the latter from the fire, and the mixture, while making, is constantly stirred. It is kept stirred or rubbed in a mortar until cold. Sometimes it is poured into water and kept in constant agitation until cold. It is thus obtained in a granular condition, and is pounded in a mortar until reduced to powder. It must be dried and kept in tightly stopped bottles and is applied to the cushions after they have been greased. It is to be noticed that it is said that alloy (d) requires no pulverization beyond constant rubbing in a mortar as it cools. Sometimes the amalgam is shaken about in a wooden tray with chalk while cooling. The action of amalgams is not very clearly understood. Some claim that there is a chemical action, others that they simply act as conductors, others that they are more highly negative to the glass than the leather of the cushions. Graphite or sulphide of tin (mosaic gold) are sometimes used to coat the cushions; it is these that are sometimes incorrectly called amalgams.

An amalgam is an alloy of mercury with another metal. It may be a liquid, a soft paste or a solid, depending upon the proportion of mercury.