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Mercury II Oxide: Red & White of Alchemy
In practical alchemy, mercury II oxide (HgO) is often called the "Red Precipitate," with its compound Mercuric Amidochloride (Hg(NH2)Cl),...
Sylvia Rose
Nov 18, 20247 min read
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Liver of Sulfur: Alchemy, Metal & Medicine
Liver of Sulfur is a unique compound of alchemy, metallurgy and medicine. Also known as hepar sulfuris or sulfurated potash, Liver of...
Sylvia Rose
Nov 15, 20245 min read
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Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment
Scheele's Green is a rich, vibrant green. Its color appeal surpasses that of the copper carbonate paints of the late 18th century and...
Sylvia Rose
Nov 9, 20245 min read
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Copper(II) Sulfate: Blue Vitriol, Chalcanthite
Copper (II) sulfate CuSO4 yields a vivid color and widespread applications. Also known as blue vitriol in alchemy and chalcanthite in...
Sylvia Rose
Nov 7, 20245 min read
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Silverpoint Drawing: Art of the Renaissance
Silverpoint is a drawing medium with distinct artistic potential. This delicate and precise medium has a rich history, unique properties,...
Sylvia Rose
Nov 2, 20245 min read
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11 Favorite Drawing Mediums of Artists
Drawing is a creative expression for humans since cave paintings of prehistory. In art, anything making a mark is a drawing tool....
Sylvia Rose
Nov 1, 20248 min read
8 views


Sanguine: Red Chalk of Renaissance Masters
Sanguine is a rich, reddish-brown chalk beloved by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo. Creating flesh-like tones in the human form...
Sylvia Rose
Nov 1, 20245 min read
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Guar Gum: Unique Qualities for Art & Crafts
Guar gum is recognized for its unique natural properties in visual arts and crafting. From enhancing textures to creating custom paints,...
Sylvia Rose
Nov 1, 20245 min read
9 views


Mosaic Gold: Alchemy of a Forgotten Art
Mosaic gold is also known to alchemists as aurum musivum or aurum mosaicum due to its mottled formation. Forgotten in the data fields...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 31, 20243 min read
10 views


Aromatic Cold Oil Infusions: DIY Alchemy Perfumes
Aromatic cold infused oil is a rich artisan tradition of culture and the art of allure. This ancient form of perfume-making connects...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 31, 20244 min read
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Artisan Perfumery: Four Degrees of Fragrance
Perfumes are grouped according to their strengths. Every fragrance has a purpose, from a fresh splash of rose or mint to mysterious...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 30, 20243 min read
15 views


Practical Alchemy of DIY Perfumes & Aromas
The alchemy of perfumes goes back thousands of years. Here are the practical aspects of perfumes in ancient and medieval times, how...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 30, 20244 min read
11 views


Science of Alchemy: Alchemical Innovations
Alchemy these days is often seen only as a mystical practice purveying the clic hé of turning base metals into gold. Alchemy is in fact...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 30, 20246 min read
5 views


Etch Carnelian Beads Like It's Indus Valley 2500 BCE
The Indus Valley Civilization of the Bronze Age is one of the earliest urban societies, famous for trade, inventiveness and extraordinary...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 24, 20245 min read
22 views


Iron III Acetate - Formula, Production, Use
Iron III acetate, or ferric acetate, is a non-toxic compound in numerous scientific and industrial applications. Ferric acetate is a...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 23, 20245 min read
12 views


Heavy Metals Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Chromium & Arsenic
Toxic heavy metals cadmium, mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic are elements known for high density and toxicity even in small amounts....
Sylvia Rose
Oct 21, 20246 min read
29 views


Arsenic Trioxide: Paris Green Paint Pigment & Pesticide
Arsenic trioxide is a toxic compound with a a long and complex history, known at least by the time of the ancient Romans. Here's a look...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 21, 20244 min read
46 views


Paints of the Artist's Palette in Renaissance Europe
Artists of Renaissance Europe cultivate palettes rich in colors sourced from elements both enchanting and lethal. The Renaissance is...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 17, 20246 min read
16 views


Gouache Painting: Artist Essentials & Art Tips
Gouache painting has a unique charm and offers versatility for artists and art appreciators. This unctuous type of paint delivers vibrant...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 17, 20244 min read
15 views


Bright Common Nails: Composition to Corrosion
Bright common nails in hardware are used in construction, woodworking, and various DIY projects from building to pigment making. Bright...
Sylvia Rose
Oct 17, 20243 min read
7 views
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