The source of mercury was discovered by the widow. Is it reliable?

The widow mentioned in the question must be the widow who provided mercury to Qin Shihuang. She is the widow of Danxue in southeast Chongqing, and the largest tribute mine owner in the area. Danxue Mountain is famous for its rich cinnabar since ancient times, and one of its main uses is to extract mercury. But she is only a supplier of mercury, that is, a porter of nature, and mercury was not discovered by her. To say who discovered mercury, it should be discovered by an alchemist.

Why do you say that? Because in ancient times, Taoists claimed to have the skill of immortality. At that time, Taoist priests were called alchemists. At first, they all divined and measured good luck and bad luck. Later, some heads of state hoped to live forever when they were in power. Some alchemists know elegance by hearing strings, claiming that they have the skill of immortality, and alchemy and elixir can live forever.

Where does mercury come from? Mercury is extracted from cinnabar. Cinnabar, then called cinnabar, is pure natural mercury sulfide, that is, natural unrefined mercury. In ancient times, cinnabar was used as a pigment with a long history. It is said that after repeated refining, mercury can be extracted, and some alchemists use cinnabar or some heavy metal substances to make alchemy, so whoever finds mercury must be an alchemist. During the Warring States Period, there was a mercury pool in the tomb of a master in the State of Qi, so it was not the first one to put a mercury pool in the tomb, but such a generous water galaxy as him is definitely unique.

Widow Qing only provided Qin Shihuang with mercury smelting at that time, not the discoverer of mercury.