Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is only one of the amazing bacteria used in biometallurgy. In an age of environmental concerns,...

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) is vital to the earth's geology. A primary ore of copper, this scintillating mineral is influential to health,...

Copper (II) sulfate CuSO4 yields a vivid color and widespread applications. Also known as blue vitriol in alchemy and chalcanthite in...

Potash is a mineral group prized in agriculture, health and human life though history. Potash covers various potassium-rich salts,...

Iron(III) oxide or ferric oxide (Fe2O3) yields a striking red color as a pigment, and has a wide range of uses. From industrial...

The microbes of concrete corrosion include bacteria, fungi and algae. Their purpose in life is to break down and decompose matter, and...

Drawing is a creative expression for humans since cave paintings of prehistory. In art, anything making a mark is a drawing tool....

Sanguine is a rich, reddish-brown chalk beloved by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo. Creating flesh-like tones in the human form...

Radon (Rn) is part of the noble gas family. Colorless, odorless, and tasteless, radon presents unique characteristics and effects on...

Sodium silicate or "water glass" or liquid glass, originates in ancient practices. A chemical compound, sodium silicate is composed of...

Sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash or washing soda, is prominent across various industries for millennia. It's used in ancient and...

The Indus Valley Civilization of the Bronze Age is one of the earliest urban societies, famous for trade, inventiveness and extraordinary...

Talc or hydrated magnesium silicate is a naturally occurring mineral, primarily composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. With its...

Artists of Renaissance Europe cultivate palettes rich in colors sourced from elements both enchanting and lethal. The Renaissance is...

Hildegard von Bingen is a German Benedictine abbess and polymath often called the Sibyl (Prophetess) of the Rhine. She transcends...

Niter or saltpeter (KNO3) is the mineral form of potassium nitrate. A soft substance easy to grind, it creates colorless to white...

The Magnum Opus or Great Work is the goal of alchemists. From ancient Alexandria and the wisdom of Maria the Prophetess comes a color...

The mortar and pestle as a unit is about 35,000 years old. With many varieties available today it's important to choose the best mortar...

Rust, the reddish-brown coating that forms on iron or steel due to exposure to oxygen and moisture is a fascinating display of chemistry....

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), or silica, holds fascinating secrets within its molecular structure. It's one of the most abundant minerals found...