Lava

Lava is a fiery liquid found mostly in Bowser's Castle. It can be found in other parts of the Mushroom World as well.

When Mario touches lava he will either get burned by it and run around, losing some lives (as seen in Super Mario 64), or die instantly (as seen in Super Mario Sunshine).

In Super Mario Sunshine, Bowser Jr. (a.k.a. Shadow Mario) could paint Goop with his Magic Paintbrush. Some of the goop was lava goop; however, it did not kill Mario instantly.

King Magma Blooper from the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy will be a lava-handling Cosmic Blooper.

In the Mario Kart series, lava appears in many race course. Falling into lava delays the racer, as they must wait for Lakitu to pull them out.