Commerce & Trade 2/3

Gum Arabic, Guar, Xanthan: Guide for Artists & Artisans

Sylvia Rose

Oct 15, 20245 min read

Gum Arabic, Guar, Xanthan: Guide for Artists & Artisans

Thickening gums such as gum arabic, guar and xanthan gums are indispensable for creation of inks and pigment by individual or industrial...

27 views

Carbon Steel: Origins, Composition & Uses

Sylvia Rose

Oct 14, 20245 min read

Carbon Steel: Origins, Composition & Uses

Carbon steel is an essential material in various industries, renowned for versatility and strength. Uncover the secrets of carbon steel:...

7 views

Tungsten: Elusive Metal of Light, Art & Industry

Sylvia Rose

Oct 12, 20245 min read

Tungsten: Elusive Metal of Light, Art & Industry

Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a rare and versatile metal. In nature, tungsten is found in ore form, combined with other elements....

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Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe

Sylvia Rose

Oct 11, 20246 min read

Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe

Women have a significant role in brewing through history. Before brewing is industrialized, it's a domestic activity seen as providing...

28 views

Hydrogen Peroxide: Chemistry, Production, Risks

Sylvia Rose

Sep 29, 20244 min read

Hydrogen Peroxide: Chemistry, Production, Risks

Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) is one of the most versatile chemicals today due to powerful oxidizing properties and a wide range of...

26 views

Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life

Sylvia Rose

Sep 26, 20244 min read

Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life

Ardent Spirits in alchemy are liquors obtained after repeated distillations from fermented fruit and vegetables. They are thus called...

17 views

Acetic Acid: Vinegar 🜊 in Ancient Alchemy

Sylvia Rose

Sep 24, 20247 min read

Acetic Acid: Vinegar 🜊 in Ancient Alchemy

Acetic acid is a compound with many uses. With chemical formula CH₃COOH, this colorless liquid has a sharp pungent smell and sour taste....

30 views

Platinum (Pt): Junk Metal to Pure Treasure

Sylvia Rose

Sep 24, 20246 min read

Platinum (Pt): Junk Metal to Pure Treasure

Platinum (Pt) is one of the most treasured metals in the world. Known for its durability, rarity and luster, platinum is a symbol of...

12 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 23, 20243 min read

What is Alum? Origins, Production & Use

Alum has a multi-toned nature. Alum denotes a group of chemical compounds characterized by double sulfate salts. Alums are used across...

14 views

Aluminum(III) Oxide: Secrets of Precious Gemstones

Sylvia Rose

Sep 23, 20244 min read

Aluminum(III) Oxide: Secrets of Precious Gemstones

Aluminum oxide or alumina (Al2O3) is the secret to the composition and allure of precious gems such as sapphire and ruby. This white,...

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Making Sapphire & other Precious Gemstones

Sylvia Rose

Sep 23, 20244 min read

Making Sapphire & other Precious Gemstones

Synthetic sapphires and lab-grown gemstones mimic the brilliance and allure of natural gems while often surpassing them in quality and...

7 views

Indigo: Extract Dye from Indigofera Tinctoria

Sylvia Rose

Sep 22, 20244 min read

Indigo: Extract Dye from Indigofera Tinctoria

Indigo, deep blue dye from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, often associated with blue denim, is one of humanity's oldest dyes. The...

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Mordants - Essential Ancient Dye Techniques

Sylvia Rose

Sep 21, 20243 min read

Mordants - Essential Ancient Dye Techniques

Mordants are part of the dyeing process and help achieve vibrant colors. Dyeing fabrics goes back to the Stone Age. Mordants are also...

14 views

Earth of Chios: Ancient Alchemy, Cosmetics, & Medicine

Sylvia Rose

Sep 20, 20244 min read

Earth of Chios: Ancient Alchemy, Cosmetics, & Medicine

Earth of Chios is a white to gray powdery mineral soil or fine grained clay found on the Greek island of Chios. Earth of Chios or Chian...

15 views

10 Alchemical Metals - Ancient Metals of Alchemy

Sylvia Rose

Sep 17, 20246 min read

10 Alchemical Metals - Ancient Metals of Alchemy

Ten metals are used in alchemy since its ancient emergence. They are antimony, bismuth, copper, gold, iron, lead, quicksilver (mercury),...

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Diplosis: Gold Doubling & Multiplication in Alchemy

Sylvia Rose

Sep 14, 20244 min read

Diplosis: Gold Doubling & Multiplication in Alchemy

Displosis is the ancient practice of doubling gold. It's considered to be a skill of alchemists and early metal workers as well. If done...

24 views

Zinc (Zn): Essential Metal in Alchemy & Medicine

Sylvia Rose

Sep 13, 20244 min read

Zinc (Zn): Essential Metal in Alchemy & Medicine

Zinc (Zn) is an essential metal of life and one of the four components in the Tetrasomia of Maria in alchemy. The 30th element on the...

19 views

Galls & Gall Nuts: Black Ink, Dye, Medicine

Sylvia Rose

Sep 12, 20243 min read

Galls & Gall Nuts: Black Ink, Dye, Medicine

Galls and gall nuts are growths on plants, particularly oak trees, used for a number of purposes throughout history. They form due to...

21 views

Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction

Sylvia Rose

Sep 8, 20246 min read

Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction

The Almadén Mines in central Spain have an infamous past driven by profit and greed. The deadly history of ancient Almadén revolves...

27 views

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Ancient Uses & Medicine

Sylvia Rose

Sep 6, 20243 min read

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Ancient Uses & Medicine

A vibrant golden spice, turmeric captivates kingdoms, heals the sick and rules the routes of the spice trade. The humble root has a long...

18 views