Mercurius: Mystical Essence of Alchemy
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Mercurius among the most important figures of the alchemical storybook A vast array of symbols and archetypes populate the path to...
Sylvia Rose
- Aug 30
- 4 min
Earthy & Mineral Hematite: Differences
Hematite, an iron oxide mineral, is well-known for its striking metallic luster and deep red to black colorations. Appearing in various...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 30
- 4 min
Hematite: Iron Oxide Red Earth Pigment
"Hematite" comes from the ancient Greek for blood. The stone creates red dust when cut and polished. The red color isn't always visible...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 29
- 4 min
How to Extract Red from Hematite: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hematite, an iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe2O3, is prevalent around the world. Known for metallic luster and red earth...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 29
- 3 min
How to Make Hematite Powder: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hematite, an iron ore with the chemical formula Fe2O3 (ferric oxide), is known for its metallic luster. A striking array of colors, from...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 29
- 3 min
Aqua Regia: The Green Lyon of Alchemy
Aqua regia, Latin for “royal water,” is a powerful acidic solution known to dissolve noble metals like gold and platinum. It's used in...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 29
- 3 min
How to Make Copperas Ferrous Sulfate: Process
Copperas, known chemically as ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄), has been a vital compound across various industries for centuries. Although...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 29
- 3 min
Caput Mortuum: Dead Head Purple Pigment
Caput mortuum (Latin "dead head") is a purple hematite iron oxide pigment, used in oil paints and dyes. Due to cultural significance of...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 29
- 7 min
Question of Alchemy in Ancient Rome
Alchemy, a fusion of science, philosophy and mysticism, emerges in practice from the 1st century AD. Among the power civilizations of...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 28
- 4 min
Famous Women of Ancient Rome
Women are second class citizens in ancient Rome, but a few bright stars shine through this mutable civilization. Renowned for art,...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 28
- 4 min
Status & Rights of Women in Imperial Rome
The status and rights of women in ancient Rome are complex and evolve significantly over time. This societal structure is influenced by...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 28
- 5 min
Roman Empire: Situation 300 AD
In 300 AD, the Roman Empire is falling apart. Under the rule of Emperor Diocletian, who wants to restore the grandeur of Rome, the empire...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 28
- 5 min
Asphodel: Ancient Dye & Medicine Plants
Among the showy flowering plants, perennial Asphodelus is an elegant and adaptable beauty. A genus of the Asphodelaceae or aloe family,...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 27
- 7 min
Renaissance Wars: Venice vs. Ottoman
The Ottoman-Venetian Wars are seven major conflicts between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice from the late 14th to the 18th...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 27
- 4 min
Venice Italy: Jewel of the Renaissance
Venice during the Renaissance emerges as a vibrant center of art, culture and commerce, influencing the broader European scope. The...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 27
- 3 min
Alchemy & Renaissance Glass: Antonio Neri
Antonio Neri is a Renaissance Florentine priest, well known for contributions to alchemy and glassmaking. As a youth Neri is drawn to the...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 26
- 3 min
Easy Alchemy: Caput Mortuum Purple
Caput mortuum, Latin for as "dead head" is an ominous name for a highly prized color. As an iron oxide it's easy to make at home. From an...
9 views
Sylvia Rose
- Aug 26
- 5 min
Ancient Roman Baths & Bathing
Bathing is an important part of ancient Roman culture. Structures such as the Baths of Diocletian or Thermae Diocletiani in Rome are a...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 26
- 4 min
Olympiodorus of Thebes & His Parrot
Olympiodorus of Thebes (c. 380 - 425 AD) is a multifaceted figure. A Roman historian from Egypt, poet, philosopher, and diplomat, he...
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Sylvia Rose
- Aug 26
- 2 min
Haruspices in History: The Gut Readers
In ancient Rome, the haruspex has a significant role in society as a trained specialist in the the practice of haruspicy. This form of...
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