Sylvia RoseOct 226 min readWhite Lead Toxic Beauty, Art, Ancient Production White lead, lead(II) carbonate or PbCO₃, has a long history in art, paint and industry. It's a primary source of white for artists and in...
Sylvia RoseSep 193 min readLunar Caustic AgNO3: Lapis Infernalis of AlchemyLunar caustic ( lapis infernalis ), Höllenstein (hellstone) or silver nitrate ( argentinium nitrium ) is esteemed by alchemists of the...
Sylvia RoseSep 86 min readAlmadén Mines: Ancient Mercury ExtractionThe Almadén Mines in central Spain have an infamous past driven by profit and greed. The deadly history of ancient Almadén revolves...
Sylvia RoseAug 313 min readHow Sulfuric Acid is Made (*Corrosive*)Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is one of the most important chemicals in the world, with many uses from battery production to fertilizer...
Sylvia RoseOct 26, 20233 min readPhosphorus: Element of Fatal FascinationPhosphorus is the first element not known since ancient times. This glowing substance is discovered by German alchemist Hennig Brand in...
Sylvia RoseOct 1, 20236 min readPretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, MistletoeHolly, yew and mistletoe, the most cheerful and celebrated of seasonal plants, are also the most poisonous. These three toxic beauties...