Science 7/13

Chemistry of Rust: Minerals & Pigment Colors

Sylvia Rose

Oct 1, 20245 min read

Chemistry of Rust: Minerals & Pigment Colors

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

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Chalcedony Gems: Secrets of Silicon Dioxide

Sylvia Rose

Sep 30, 20245 min read

Chalcedony Gems: Secrets of Silicon Dioxide

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

14 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...

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Magnetite: Ubiquitous Iron Ore with Soul

Sylvia Rose

Sep 29, 20245 min read

Magnetite: Ubiquitous Iron Ore with Soul

Magnetite is an iron ore formed below the earth's surface. As one of the primary iron ores it keeps the wheels of progress turning....

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Natural Iron Oxide Pigments: Extraction, Types & Colors

Sylvia Rose

Sep 29, 20243 min read

Natural Iron Oxide Pigments: Extraction, Types & Colors

Iron oxides create beautiful pigments in colors from warm yellow and orange to deep reds, brown, black and even green. Besides industry...

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Seven Precious Stones of the Ancient World

Sylvia Rose

Sep 29, 20249 min read

Seven Precious Stones of the Ancient World

Precious stones are made by economic supply and demand. First, however, they're formed by fire and pressure for millions of years. Prized...

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Sylvia Rose

Sep 28, 20245 min read

12 Renaissance Medicines & Treatments

In the Renaissance new healing treatments come to light, many based on ancient medicine. In the 17th and 18th century these include...

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Robert Boyle & the Great Alchemical Debate

Sylvia Rose

Sep 28, 20244 min read

Robert Boyle & the Great Alchemical Debate

Born in Ireland in 1627, Robert Boyle plays a significant role in the 17th century "scientific revolution". His groundbreaking...

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Fulminating Silver: Dangerous Explosives in Alchemical Science

Sylvia Rose

Sep 27, 20243 min read

Fulminating Silver: Dangerous Explosives in Alchemical Science

Fulminating silver is a term applicable to a number of silver base d explosives which "fulminate" or detonate easily and violently,...

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Johann Glauber: Fulminating Gold & Sodium Sulfate

Sylvia Rose

Sep 26, 20244 min read

Johann Glauber: Fulminating Gold & Sodium Sulfate

Johann Rudolf Glauber is a German-Dutch polymath who revolutionizes the scientific world with groundbreaking discoveries and innovative...

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Arcanum Duplicatum: Double Secret of Alchemy

Sylvia Rose

Sep 26, 20243 min read

Arcanum Duplicatum: Double Secret of Alchemy

Arcanum Duplicatum is known by many names: sulphate of potash, arcanite, potash of sulfur, potassium sulfate. An inorganic compound, it...

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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

Fulminating Gold: Blowing It Up in Alchemy

Sylvia Rose

Sep 25, 20243 min read

Fulminating Gold: Blowing It Up in Alchemy

Fulminating Gold ( aurum fulminans ) is the first high explosive known, recorded in Western alchemy c. 1585. Sebald Schwaerzer is the...

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Oil of Philosophers: Alchemy Health & Beauty

Sylvia Rose

Sep 25, 20243 min read

Oil of Philosophers: Alchemy Health & Beauty

Oil of Brick is known as Oil of Philosophers by alchemists and Oleum de Lateribus (Oil on the Sides) by apothecaries. This medicinal and...

58 views

Arcanum Joviale: Alchemy of Sudorific Sweat

Sylvia Rose

Sep 25, 20244 min read

Arcanum Joviale: Alchemy of Sudorific Sweat

Arcanum Joviale is an alchemy medicine made of metal salts, taken to induce sweating. While the term sudorific is introduced in 1626,...

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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....

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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...

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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...

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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,...

12 views

Sylvia Rose

Sep 23, 20244 min read

Corundum: Secrets of Valuable Gemstones

Corundum is a mineral composed of aluminum oxide. Living deep within the Earth in an environment of intense heat and pressure, the...

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