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Niter or saltpeter (KNO3) is the mineral form of potassium nitrate. A soft substance easy to grind, it creates colorless to white crystals. Niter is found in arid climates or cave deposits where microbial activity and environmental conditions are right. Kerotakis: Ancient Alchemical Equipment Lunar Caustic AgNO3: Lapis Infernalis of Alchemy The Alembic: Essential Alchemy Equipment The mineral forms as potassium ions and nitrogen compounds (potassium nitrate) seep into porous substrates, eventually crystallizing as niter. History records its significance in various cultures, particularly in regions where it occurs naturally such as Egypt. Highly soluble in water, niter has a variety of applications. Solubility arises from its ionic composition, which readily dissociates into potassium and nitrate ions in water. Niter is a soft mineral, between 1 to 2 on the Mohs hardness scale. 5 Waters of Ancient Alchemy: Aqua Caustic Alchemy Process of Congelation: Freezing, Crystallization Ethyl Alcohol: Science of Solvents & Booze This softness makes it easy to grind into a powder, an attribute useful in numerous applications, including food preservation and agriculture. As a potent oxidizer, niter has a propensity to support combustion, leading to its historical use in gunpowder production. Medieval alchemical friar Roger Bacon describes his encounter with Chinese firecrackers demonstrated by a traveling monk. He's amazed and sets out to (successfully) discover the composition. Roger Bacon: Medieval Science & Alchemy Oil of Philosophers: Alchemy Health & Beauty Mother of Vinegar & Microbial Life in a Bottle He writes, "... From the violence of that salt called saltpeter [together with sulfur and willow charcoal, combined into a powder] so horrible a sound is made by the bursting of a thing so small, no more than a bit of parchment [around it], that we find [the ear assaulted by a noise] exceeding the roar of strong thunder and a flash brighter than the most brilliant lightning ..." In China the firecrackers frighten evil spirits. Beijing and other cities are banning home-made pyrotechnics displays in modern times due to the number of deaths and injuries each year. Deaths are primarily caused by over-enthusiastic unsafe setups. Alchemy & the Magnum Opus - Black White Yellow Red Writing in Letters of Gold: Ancient Alchemy Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life During the US Civil War, a Confederate chemist solves a gunpowder shortage by using niter extracted from urine. Healthy urine contains nitrates, but these are converted to nitrites in the case of urinary tract infections. Their presence indicates the condition. Historically, niter holds a significant place in the alchemy of medicine. Alchemists experiment with its properties, deriving nitric acid and various niter salts, both important to medical research. Niter is used to produce remedies for fevers and infections. Basil Valentine: Secrets of Medieval Alchemy Divine Water: Sulfuric Acid in Alchemy Hydrogen Peroxide: Chemistry, Production, Risks Discovery of Oxygen Discovery of oxygen is attributed to later chemists but Michael Sendivogius (1566 - 1636) is the first to identify this element in air, by burning niter, which gives off gas as oxygen. He calls it the "food of life" and the "central niter". It receives the name oxygen in the 18th century. Nitric Acid - the Acid Queen Niter is also important to the production of nitric acid (HNO3), one of the most popular acids in both laboratory and industrial settings. Nitric acid is known as the Queen of Acids due to its power. With hydrochloric acid it forms fierce aqua regia , which can dissolve gold. Aqua Regia: The Green Lyon of Alchemy Status & Rights of Women in Imperial Rome Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides When niter is reacted with concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4), the result is nitric acid and potassium bisulfate. This reaction is used in manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, and various chemical products. Nitric Salts Beyond potassium nitrate, other nitric salts have significant applications in both industry and agriculture. Silver nitrate or lunar caustic is one example favored by alchemists. Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) derive their properties from nitrate ions. Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy Natural Health: Paracelsus & Hermetic Principles Glauber: Preparation of a Golden Spirit of Wine Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The kerotakis (Greek: κυροτακίς) is an ancient alchemical apparatus of multiple purposes, primarily heating substances and collecting vapors. It's based on a practice of artists, who mix pigments with wax and put the palette above a brazier to keep the wax soft. Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Valerian: Natural Health & Essential Oils Glauber: Preparation of a Golden Spirit of Wine What is a Kerotakis? The name kerotakis comes from Greek kerí or wax. Mary the Jewess (Maria Prophetissa) is credited with its invention in alchemy. A type of brazier with an airtight chamber inside, it typically has a copper lid. Topped with an upside down cup it enables collection of vapors made by reactions. Allowing alchemists to condense vapors, the kerotakis helps isolate substances. The kerotakis  can also be used to melt or soften metals to change their properties, form alloys or apply metal dyes. The Alembic: Essential Alchemy Equipment Equipment Alchemists Need: Essential Tools of the Trade Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists The kerotakis becomes a vital tool among alchemists. Its ability to conduct and retain heat enables practitioners to refine metals. Maria (Mary the Jewess) is wise about metal work and creating alloys. She teaches her knowledge to her students in Alexandria. Several alchemical apparatus inventions are credited to her. In the case of the kerotakis she would have adapted this from the brazier used by the Greek artists. The basic color palette of the Greek scribes and painters is black, white, yellow and red, significant in alchemy. Alchemy & the Magnum Opus - Black White Yellow Red White Pigments of Ancient Artisans Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld These four colors create a visual metaphor for the process of attaining the Great Work or Magnum Opus. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Vinegar eels ( Turbovecula aceti ) are a vital link in the complexity of microscopic life forms. These tiny creatures are only 1-2 mm long. They're nematodes, translucent worm-like organisms found in unpasteurized vinegar. One eel can create thousands more. Acetic Acid: Vinegar 🜊 in Ancient Alchemy Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides Argyropoeia: Silver Making of Ancients Apple cider vinegar is famous for vinegar eels due to the amount of organic residue. They're first "discovered" by Pierre Borel in 1656. Vinegar eels belong to the phylum Nematoda . They're not true eels. They dwell in a world where visible and invisible to the human eye meet, and are of great interest to science. Vinegar eels are harmless to humans, but a major part of biochemical processes. Fermentation: Yeast & the Active Microworld Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Herbal Remedies in Medieval Alchemy What Do Vinegar Eels Eat? Basically they eat the bacteria and yeasts who create the vinegar, or the microbial culture in unpasteurized vinegar. The main species responsible vinegar production belong to the genera Acetobacter , Gluconacetobacter , Gluconobacter and Komagataeibacter . The microorganisms oxidize ethanol to acetic acid. Ethanol or ethyl alcohol is a byproduct of fermentation, a crucial element of the brewer's art. As they feed on microbes, especially those in Mother of Vinegar, the nematodes help drive the ecosystem of the vinegar world. Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia 4 Infused Wines of Ancient Medicine Red & White Tartar: Wine Salts of Alchemy How do Vinegar Eels Get into Vinegar? Contamination : When vinegar is exposed to infested materials like fruits or vegetables that have been in contact with soil or organic matter where vinegar eels live, it can become contaminated with these nematodes. Fermentation Process : Vinegar eels may be found in the raw materials, such as apple cider, or introduced by the yeast and bacteria present in the fermentation environment during the vinegar production process. Tanning Hides - the Ancient Process Yliaster: Quest for the Magnum Opus Corycian Caves, Bee Nymphs & Greek Gods Environmental Presence : Vinegar eels are frequently present in settings where organic material is breaking down, like compost heaps or rotting fruits. When vinegar is produced from these substances, the eels readily infiltrate the end product. Vinegar eels also live in acid lakes and are found in freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems. They even thrive in extreme conditions such as hot springs and arctic pools. To raise vinegar eels, ie as food for baby fish, starter cultures are also easily acquired online. Seven Precious Stones of the Ancient World Alchemy: How to Make Emerald from Quartz Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life  Life Cycle of Vinegar Eels Vinegar eels have a relatively simple life cycle, resembling that of other nematodes. They begin their lives as eggs in their mother's womb, in the damp environment of vinegar or fermented products like cider or wine. Within 24 to 36 hours, the eggs hatch into tiny larvae and leave the womb. Free swimming young vinegar eels grow rapidly, maturing into adulthood within about 3-4 weeks. They must go through four larval stages. Adult female vinegar eels can generate eggs without immediate male fertilization by storing sperm. One female can produce about 45 young every 8-10 days. Vinegar eel individuals live about 10 months. Best Mortar & Pestles for Artists, Chefs, Scientists 5 Waters of Ancient Alchemy: Aqua Caustic Literature: Great Literary Patrons in History This ability facilitates their rapid population growth, especially where organic matter is abundant. Under ideal conditions, a single vinegar eel can generate a population of thousands in a matter of weeks. How do they survive in such an acidic environment? Surviving the Acidity of Vinegar Perhaps the most intriguing characteristic of vinegar eels is their ability to survive in highly acidic conditions where most organisms would perish. Vinegar eels have adapted to thrive in environments with high concentrations of acetic acid, thanks to their unique physiology. Arcanum Joviale: Alchemy of Sudorific Sweat Chemistry of Rust: Minerals & Pigment Colors Chalcedony Gems: Secrets of Silicon Dioxide Osmoregulation:  Vinegar eels have specialized cellular mechanisms to help maintain osmotic balance. This lets them survive in an environment too harsh for other organisms. Osmoregulation is the process of maintenance of salt and water balance (osmotic balance) across membranes within the body's fluids, which are composed of water plus electrolytes and non-electrolytes. Valerian: Natural Health & Essential Oils Glauber: Preparation of a Golden Spirit of Wine Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy Tolerance to Acetic Acid:  Over generations, vinegar eels have evolved a tolerance to acetic acid, allowing them to live in vinegar. Their outer body structure is like flexible armor and helps prevent acid from penetrating the cells of the nematodes. Nutrient Adaptation:  The eels use the organic matter in the vinegar not just as food, but also as a buffer against the acidity. Verdigris: Creation of Coveted Blue Green Pigment Aluminum(III) Oxide: Secrets of Precious Gemstones Roger Bacon: Medieval Science & Alchemy Rapid reproductive rate: This ensures continuity of their population even in harsh conditions. Vinegar eels are highly adaptable, a talent bolstered by the reproduction rate and ability of the female nematodes to generate eggs without immediate male fertilization. The female vinegar eel has ovaries. She can meet with a male to be fertilized, or collect sperm for future fertilization without the male present. A fertilized egg hatches in her uterus before the larva leaves the womb. Vinegar eels produce up to 45 young every 8-10 days. Spirit of Wine of the Wise: Alchemy Recipe Hydrogen Peroxide: Chemistry, Production, Risks Living Metals & Genders in Ancient Alchemy Mother of Vinegar Mother of vinegar, a biofilm of yeasts and bacteria, is a primary food source for vinegar eels. The yeasts ferment the sugars in wine, cider, or other alcoholic liquids into ethanol. Mother of vinegar forms on fermenting alcoholic beverages during the conversion into acetic acid. Mother of vinegar creates a distinct veil varying in color, texture and density based on its environment. This veil, a signature characteristic, develops under specific conditions conducive to its growth. Mother of vinegar and vinegar eels also manifest in Kombucha. Aqua Regia: The Green Lyon of Alchemy Steam Distilling Floral, Resin & Citrus Essential Oils Glass & Arts of Ancient Glass Making Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Exquisite gems, sapphires are beautiful stones known for stunning colors and unique properties. Greeks wear sapphire for guidance when consulting the oracle . In Buddhism sapphire brings spiritual enlightenment, and Hindu practitioners use it during worship. Corycian Caves, Bee Nymphs & Greek Gods Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Alchemy: How to Make Emerald from Quartz Sapphire is a later name for the blazing blue stone. Ancient Greeks know it as hyakinthos (hyacinth). The Greek sappheiros refers to lapis lazuli . Recognized for a striking blue hue, sapphires have a vast spectrum of colors, all called corundum. Elementally, classic blue sapphires contain iron and titanium. The additional element chromium gives corundum the color pink, and more chromium parts make a sapphire more reddish and thus a ruby. Ruby is also a corundum gemstone. Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant Blue Gem of Ancients Ruby, Rubies: Passion, Blood and Fire Amethyst - Divine Purple Quartz Gemstone An aluminum oxide mineral, corundum is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) typically containing traces of iron, titanium, vanadium, and chromium. Classed at 9 on the Mohs scale, corundum is the third hardest natural mineral after diamond and moissanite. This contributes to durability and its longstanding popularity in jewelry, particularly in rings for daily wear. It's unaffected by acids and most environments. The name corundum comes from Sanskrit Kuirvinda or the Indian name for corundum, Kauruntoka. Alchemy: Philosophers' Stone History & Lore Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Albertus Magnus: Alchemy, Arsenic, Astrology The vibrant colors of these alluring gems come from trace elements present during their formation. The striking blue in blue sapphires comes from iron and titanium, while pink sapphires derive their color from traces of chromium. Sapphires are commonly found in igneous rocks, alluvial deposits, and metamorphic environments. Their formation involves a combination of heat, pressure, and specific mineral compositions. Antimony (Kohl) Ancient Metal of Beauty & Trade Hathor: Cosmic Cow Goddess of Ancient Egypt Isabella Cortese: Renaissance Writer, Alchemist, Entrepreneur Types of Sapphire While blue sapphires have long been the most popular, the world of sapphires offers a variety of other colors, each unique and desirable. 1. Blue Sapphire Blue sapphires are prized for their deep colors, although they also appear in paler blue hues. Their color is often associated with royalty and wisdom, making them a symbol of elegance and sophistication. The richest toned stones exhibit a vivid hue and strong saturation, and are often used in high-end jewelry. Today's gem purveyors popularize sapphire in engagement rings by linking the stone to fidelity, which is part of the color theory meaning of blue, but not sapphires per se. 10 Wise Plants & Herbs for the Elixir of Life Verdigris: Volatile Blue Green Pigment Poison Pigments of Painters: Renaissance 2. Parti Sapphires Parti sapphires exhibit a range of colors within the same stone. Typically, these sapphires show a beautiful blend of green and yellow or blue and green. Their unique coloring offers captivating visual dynamics that often change with the angle of light. 3. Pink Sapphires Pink sapphires have surged in popularity in recent years especially arising in the marketing of many lab-created stones. Pink sapphires range from light blush to intense fuchsia shades. Depth of color often influences their value, with richer pinks commanding higher prices. Science of Rust Earth Pigments & Colors Isaac Newton: Alchemy & the Occult Birds and Bird Symbolism in Alchemy 4. Padparadscha Named after the lotus flower, padparadscha sapphires blend pink and orange hues. This rare variety is among the most coveted, often fetching high prices at auctions. Purveyed as the "gem of sunrise", Padparadscha sapphires relate to warmth and serenity. 5. Star Sapphire Star sapphires are distinguished by their asterism, an optical phenomenon creating a star-like pattern on the surface of the stone. This effect is caused by inclusions of needle-like crystals within the sapphire. Star sapphires are typically cabochon-cut to enhance this unique feature. Alchemy & Prague: Countess Barbara von Zweibrücken-Neuburg Rudolf II Renaissance Prague: Alchemy, Eros & Occult Women Scientists of the Ancient World 6. Color-Change Sapphire Color-change sapphires exhibit different colors under varying lighting conditions. Most notably, they often appear blue in daylight and shift to purplish or violet shades under incandescent light. This rare characteristic is an allure for collectors. Properties of Sapphire Clarity and Cut : Sapphires can be found in high clarity, though many are cut to maximize their color rather than their clarity. It is not unusual to encounter sapphires with inclusions, which can add uniqueness to each stone. Color : Sapphires exhibit a variety of colors, with the most famous being a deep royal blue, though they can occur in pink, yellow, green, and even clear. The presence of trace elements like iron and titanium contributes to their color diversity. Formation : Sapphires form in metamorphic and igneous rocks. They require specific conditions, including high temperature and pressure, typically found in areas with significant geological activity. Rain and sedimentation can also play a role in the formation of sapphires over millions of years. Famous Women of Renaissance Alchemy Mordants - Essential Ancient Dye Techniques Nicolas Flamel: Creation of an Alchemy Legend Sapphire Mythology of Ancient Greece and Rome In Ancient Greece, sapphires ae beloved by the gods. These vibrant blue stones are a gift from heaven, often associated with the god Apollo, the deity of music, truth, healing and divination. The Delphic oracle delivers prophecies from Apollo. Sapphire is considered enhance the intellect and bring divine favor. Romans link sapphire with royalty, power and protection. Crowns and royal robes are decorated with sapphires, The gemstone safeguards against envy and evil, so they say. Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Chrysopoeia - Turning Lead into Gold Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Sapphire Mythology in the Middle Ages During the Middle Ages, blue sapphires take on a new meaning due to the Christian tradition. Associated with purity and heaven they are worn by church leaders as symbols of their commitment to God and a sign of status. The stones represent the heavens, with deep blue hue symbolizing the sky. In common belief sapphires have protective powers, safeguarding the wearer from harm and ill fortune. Remarkable Islamic Women in History Indigo: Extract Dye from Indigofera Tinctoria Alchemists of Ancient Alexandria Early Christian kings trust sapphire's powers of protection by using it in royal rings. In ancient civilizations through to modern folklore sapphires are associated with divinity, wisdom, and protection. Sapphire is a birthstone of September. Sapphire Mythology of India In India, sapphires are called “Neelam,” and they hold a significant place in astrology and spirituality. They are considered powerful gemstones with the ability to bestow wealth, success, and good fortune upon their wearers. In Hindu mythology, sapphires are associated with the planet Saturn (Shani), and it is believed that wearing a sapphire can mitigate the challenging influences of Saturn in one’s life. The stone is revered for its ability to bring clarity and wisdom. Rasayana: Alchemy & Health of India Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Asphodel: Ancient Dye & Medicine Plants Sapphire Mythology in Persian Lore Persian cultures esteemed sapphires as symbols of Heaven and protection from evil spirits. Historical accounts suggest ancient Persian royalty hold sapphires in high esteem. They are marketed as stones attracting peace and tranquility, another feature of the color blue. In Persia the gemstone helps the wearer communicate with the divine. In temples and houses of the elite it may be placed in altars and sacred spaces to attract good fortune and deific blessings. Alchemy: Ancient Mordant Recipes for Fabric & Stones Vitriol in Alchemy: Caustic Compounds How to Make Copperas Ferrous Sulfate: Process Sapphire Mythology and African Folklore Some African tribes view sapphires powerful talismans. They are said to embody the spirit of the earth and the heavens, bridging the gap between the two. Stories suggest sapphires can reveal the truth and assist in divination, helping individuals discern hidden knowledge and wisdom. Sapphire is often included in spiritual practices. Mining Sapphire Sapphires are mined through various methods. In alluvial or placer mining, stones are extracted from riverbed deposits. Gold is collected much the same way. Gem-quality corundum, ie sapphire and ruby, is rarer even than diamond. Chalcanthite: Crystal Blue Explosion Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Eirenaeus Philalethes: Alchemy & Death in Renaissance London Miners can work for weeks without recovering any gems. Other methods include strip mining and shaft mining. In industrial mining, soils are stripped out of an area and the underlying material is mined, or shafts and tunnels are made through the rock. Today, mining sapphires is an environmentally taxing process. Ethical concerns arise in various mining regions. Many jewelers and gem collectors are now ostensibly prioritizing ethically sourced or lab-created stones to promote sustainability in the gem industry. Alchemical Scientists: Secret Science of Alchemy Natural Magic of the Renaissance Steam Distillation in Ancient & Medieval Alchemy All gem varieties of corundum, including the scintillating "star stone" sapphires and rubies, can be synthesized. Flame fusion is the oldest and most cost-effective method. In flame fusion aluminum oxide powder (the main mineral in corundum) is melted using a flame. The molten material forms a long teardrop-shaped structure known as a "boule." Woad, the People's Blue: Ancient Pigments Aqua Regia: The Green Lyon of Alchemy Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy Inclusion of chromium in the aluminum oxide produces synthetic ruby. By introducing different minerals to the aluminum oxide, various colored sapphires can be produced. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Precious stones are made by economic supply and demand. First, however, they're formed by fire and pressure for millions of years. Prized for aesthetic beauty, gems create their own mythology. Quartz may be dyed to imitate gems , an essential skill of early alchemists. Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Alchemy: Ancient Mordant Recipes for Fabric & Stones Rosemary: Immortal Essence & Balm of Kings Stories surrounding gemstones come from the purveyors of the rocks. Gems with mystical properties sell better than those only nice to look at. Rich in hue, translucent with an inner glow caused by metallic inclusions, many gemstones seem truly magical. One example of the market driving the meaning of gems is the famous 20th century De Beers diamond selling quip, "diamonds are forever" along with images of brides or weddings. Thus diamonds become associated with marriage and eternity. Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia Sapphire Gemstones: Colors, Myths, Origins & Gemology Oil of Philosophers: Alchemy Health & Beauty Likewise, merchants associate blue of sapphires with the traditional (spiritual) color theory of honesty and loyalty connected to the color blue to sell sapphire engagement rings. Due to clever marketing this association becomes trendy. Coveted gemstones go in and out of style through the ages. Among those revered for enduring beauty and mystical properties are ruby , emerald, garnet , sunstone, carnelian , amethyst , and amber . 1. Ruby The radiant ruby derives its name from rubēs , Latin for red, capturing its vibrant crimson hue. In alchemy rubedo is the red or final stage of the Great Work. Ruby, Rubies: Passion, Blood and Fire Colors of Alchemy: Rubedo Magnum Opus Alchemy: Philosophers' Stone History & Lore Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum . In ancient cultures, rubies symbolize passion, protection, and prosperity. They bring good fortune to wearers and are often associated with royalty, especially since non-royalty can't afford them. Formation and Geology Rubies get their vibrant red color from trace amounts of chromium. They form in metamorphic rocks under high pressure and temperature conditions, often found in locations like Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Properties Rubies have a Mohs hardness of 9, just below diamond. Like diamond and emerald, ruby is hard but brittle, and can be shattered with a hammer blow. Mythology and Ancient Uses In ancient India, rubies are thought to hold the power to grant wishes and protect their owners in battle. They're often embedded in armor or jewelry worn by royalty, one of the reasons battlegrounds are often scavenged by locals or camp followers. Modern Uses Rubies are once used in clockworks. Today, rubies are cherished not only for their aesthetic value but also in industrial applications, such as in lasers. 2. Emerald (Smaragdus) Emeralds have a rich green hue tending to blue. Formed from beryl, these precious stones are purveyed as symbolic of rebirth and eternal youth. Meditating with emerald is considered to bring clarity and foresight. Smaragdus is the Latin overall derived from Persian "green stone". Jade - Jadeite, Nephrite & Jade Roads Alchemy: How to Make Emerald from Quartz Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Trends are driven by tales of allure, often danger in obtaining these magnificent stones. Trends affect the wealthy and powerful, from monarchs to caliphs to rajahs and aristocrats, and thus trickle down to the general population. As few people can afford genuine smaragdus in the ancient world, emerald is a popular colored imitation gem. Alchemists create these beauties with skill and knowledge, passing these essentials to their students. Formation and Geology Emeralds are a variety of beryl, a mineral composed of beryllium aluminium silicate with chemical formula Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈. Another well-known variety of beryl is aquamarine. The emerald is colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. These stones typically form in hydrothermal veins, or areas of trapped heat and steam, in metamorphic rocks. Properties Emeralds are 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes them more vulnerable to wear than diamonds (10), rubies and sapphires (both 9). However because the valued emerald has many inclusions it's more subject to fracture. Lack of inclusions usually means the gem is lab-manufactured, as is common today, or dyed, common in ancient and medieval times. Today however inclusions in real gems are minimized due to the appealing clarity of lab-made stones. Real emeralds are 20x rarer than diamonds. . Mythology and Ancient Uses In ancient Egypt, emeralds were regarded as symbols of fertility and rebirth. Cleopatra famously adorns herself with emeralds and believed that the stone possessed healing properties. Emerald is the birthstone for May. Modern Uses Today, emeralds are increasingly valued as precious gemstones in jewelry. They are often treated to improve clarity, which reflects their significant ongoing appeal. Treating might include heating to high temperatures, which helps deepen the color tone. Many of today's natural gems are heat treated. In some it like amethyst it causes a miraculous color change. 3. Garnet With varied colors from deep red to vibrant orange, garnet has a history over 5000 years old. Formed in metamorphic rocks, Garnets are worn as protective talismans by ancient warriors. Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant Blue Gem of Ancients Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg These gemstones were thought to imbue their wearers with strength and courage. Nowadays, garnets are praised not only for their color and structural beauty. They are often marketed as having spiritual grounding properties. Formation and Geology Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that form in metamorphic rocks through high pressures and temperatures. Their formation can also occur in igneous rocks. In garnets with high amounts of spessartine, the metal manganese (Mn2+) creates orange and yellow colors. In garnets of the almandine species, iron (Fe2+) contributes purplish red color. Magnesium, another iron, or manganese in this combination gives a browner stone. There are three types of green garnet: andradite, grossular and uvarovite. Green garnets tend more toward yellow yellow green than blue green, but are sometimes confused with emeralds. Properties These stones are renowned for their diverse range of colors, though red garnets are the most recognized. They're 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Mythology and Ancient Uses Garnets were utilized by the ancient Egyptians as protective talismans and were often placed in tombs and inlaid in tomb artwork. Much of the dark red gemstone decorating Egyptian ornaments is more likely to be garnet than ruby. Modern Uses Today, garnets are essential in abrasives and filtration and remain popular in the jewelry market. While it's are considered a semi-precious in today's world garnet is coveted stone in ancient times. 4. Sunstone Sunstone Sunstone has dazzling orange and golden tones and is much coveted in the ancient world. It's said to represent the sun's tangible connection to the Earth. Sunstones were highly prized in ancient times for their perceived powerful connection to life force and energy. Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Magnetite: Ubiquitous Iron Ore with Soul Platinum (Pt): Junk Metal to Pure Treasure Today, sunstones are cherished for their unique shimmer. Inclusions in sunstone may be can be metallic hematite, copper or other mineral. Oregon sunstone is transparent feldspar with copper inclusions. In myth they are said to enhance creativity and nurture a positive outlook. This jewel can be colorless but usually manifests a wide variety of colors, such as pink with brilliant aventurescence, pale yellow, orange, red, green, and blue-green. Sunstone is also a popular imitation gem created by ancient alchemists. Formation and Geology A feldspar mineral, sunstone exhibits a shimmering effect called aventurescence due to its unique internal inclusions. Aventurescence, the look of sparkles inside the rock, typically forms in igneous rocks. It's named for its first discovery in the green stone aventurine. Properties Sunstone has a hardness of 6 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It's a good quality stone for carving. Mythology and Ancient Uses In Nordic lore the sunstone is believed to help sailors navigate using the sun's position even on cloudy days. This is attested in 13th and 14th Icelandic writings. Sunstones are noted in inventories of several churches and a monastery in 14th -15th-century Iceland and Germany.. Modern Uses Sunstone is primarily used in jewelry today, cherished for its unique optical properties. 5. Carnelian Carnelian - Gems of the Ancient World 10 Alchemical Metals - Ancient Metals of Alchemy Antimony (Kohl) Ancient Metal of Beauty & Trade Carnelian is revered for its sunny brilliant orange color and tones ranging from pale gold to deep red. It's formed from chalcedony, a type of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of quartz and moganite, another silica mineral. Chalcedony often produces translucent gems. Formation and Geology Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony, formed from silica deposited in layers over time. Its distinctive reddish-brown hue is due to the presence of iron oxide. Properties With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, carnelian is appreciated for its warm tones and smooth finish. Carnelian appears in shades of yellow, gold, orange and red to dark red. Carnelian is also known as silicon dioxide  (SiO2). Its lack of cleavage makes it an excellent carving stone. Mythology and Ancient Uses It is associated with vitality and motivation. This gemstone has been used by members of ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and Egyptians. Carnelian with desirable for amulets and jewelry and grave goods for perceived protective qualities. Carnelian was believed to harness the sun's energy and promote courage and confidence. A favored stone of ancient Egypt, carnelian is worn as an amulet for protection during battles. Modern interpretations of Carnelian emphasize its ability to boost creativity and passion. Modern Uses Carnelian is used in jewelry and carved pieces. It's gained popularity in holistic practices for its believed energy-boosting properties. 6. Amethyst Amethyst - Divine Purple Quartz Gemstone Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Alchemy 5 Waters of Ancient Alchemy: Aqua Caustic Amethyst is a variety of quartz known for its purple color tones. A mystical color, purple imbues amethyst with perceived spiritual and healing properties throughout history. The ancient Greeks and Romans believe amethyst can prevent intoxication. Its name comes from Greek amethystos meaning "not drunk." It usually appears in crystals from pale to deep purple, often adding a touch of color to clear quartz. Formation and Geology Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz formed from volcanic rocks. In the ancient world it's rare and expensive. This gemstone is characterized by its superb color resulting from a combination of iron inclusions and radiation. Properties Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs scale and is cherished for its stunning purple hues. When subjected to high heat, amethyst changes color to resemble the yellow-orange stone citrine, although it doesn't have the same gemological properties Mythology and Ancient Uses Because of the ancient belief amethyst can prevent intoxication, and it's often carved into drinking vessels. Amethyst is sacred to the god Dionysus. Today, amethyst is attributed calming energy and is often used in meditation. Modern Uses Although no longer considered a precious stone, amethyst remains highly prized in contemporary jewelry. It's also popular in metaphysical practices. 7. Amber Amber, not a traditional gemstone but fossilized tree resin, holds a unique place in ancient cultures due to its warm golden hues and organic origins. Today, Amber is valued for its earthy charm and is often used in jewelry and decorative pieces. Bronze Age Europe - The Amber Roads Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Formation and Geology Amber is fossilized tree resin. In the ancient world it's found in Sicily and most famously in the Baltic due to a primordial fossilized forest deep beneath the waves. Its formation can take millions of years, during which time it solidifies and can trap and preserve ancient organisms. It's defined as tree resin by Pliny the Elder in the first century AD. By this time amber trade and the the famous amber roads are supplying the golden jewel to the south. Earliest trade with southern Europe is in the Bronze Age, as evidenced by artifacts of Baltic amber in Spain. Properties Amber is relatively lightweight and can range in color from yellow to deep orange. It varies in hardness from 2 to 3 on the Mohs scale. Mythology and Ancient Uses Amber is responsible for some of the the earliest trade routes. It's been used since the Stone Age in amulets and decorative items, with ancient cultures believing it to possess protective power. It's often burned as incense, which is how Pliny identifies it. In Baltic mythology, amber comes from palace beneath the sea. It's inhabited by the goddess Jurate and destroyed by her father, the god Perkūnas because she falls in love with a mortal. Modern Uses Today, amber is used in jewelry and decorative arts and is still valued for its unique beauty and historical significance. Amber was often associated with the sun, representing life force and vitality. Perkūnas: Baltic Storm & Fertility God Alchemy: Ancient Mordant Recipes for Fabric & Stones Obsidian: Ancient Volcanic Black Glass Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Mendes is an important city of ancient Egypt, in the Nile Delta. The bolus of Mendes or Mendesian bole refers to a medical preparation with organic materials including clay. Bolus of Mendes is also a physician of the 3rd century BCE. This entry is about the clay. Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Ram God of Egypt Ba-neb-djedet Apis - Sacred Fertility Bull of Egypt The medical treatment bolus of Mendes or Mendesian bole refers to a preparation associated with ancient Mendes and the mineral clays once prevalent in the area. Mendes is known as the center of worship for the ram-headed potter god, Banebdjedet. Banebjedet creates all the people and animals on his potter's wheel. He breathes life into them with the spirit of Heka , or magic. Thus, the clay of the region is not just the soggy sand underfoot, but part of the human and all beings. Tartrate Crystals: Secrets of Tartaric Acid Carbuncle: Red Stone of Magic & Medicine Seven Precious Stones of the Ancient World Other clays are also renowned for healing properties. These include Armenian Bole, Earth of Chios (white silt clay) and Clay of Sinope on the Black Sea, a busy trading port. The latter comes from the middle of today's Turkey, sold through the port at Sinope to hide its location. The term "bolus" comes from the Greek for "lump" in terms of a medical concoction, pill, poultice or remedy. Bolus in modern medicine is a single dose of a drug or other medicinal preparation given all at once. Baphomet, the Goat of Mendes in History Cosimo Ruggeri: Prophecies from the Dark Knights Templar Crusades & Medieval France In ancient texts, bolus of Mendes is associated with the treatment of specific illnesses, particularly those related to the head and digestive system. The mixture includes various regional herbs, animal fats and minerals. Because Mendes is in the broad nutritious Nile delta, ingredients are plentiful and diverse. Herbs from the waters or minerals of miraculous silt imbue the bolus with spiritual significance. In ancient Egypt spirituality, magic and medicine are interconnected. Magic: Heka & the Ka in Ancient Egypt Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Ogdoad - Primordial Gods of Egypt Historical Context Mendes and its surrounding territory becomes prominent during the Late Period of ancient Egypt. The city is noted for its connection to fertility and regeneration, largely because of its association with god Banebdjedet, who embodies protection and healing. This connection illustrates medicinal practices of the time, entwining the divine with the medical. Healing secrets of Mendes appear in medical papyri such as the Ebers Papyrus , which documents Egyptian medical knowledge and practice. Zosimos of Panopolis: Father of Alchemy Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Best Mortar & Pestles for Artists, Chefs, Scientists Ingredients of Healing What makes the bolus of Mendes unique is its formulation. Ancient Egyptian medicine heavily relies on natural remedies, making use of herbs, minerals, and animal products. The clays of the Delta are inundated yearly with minerals from the floods, when Sirius the Dog Star rises. This astronomical event holds great meaning. Not only the ancient Egyptians but later physicians of the Renaissance are required to understand astrology. For example the plant Valerian is equated with Mercury and a "hot, dry" aspect, treating conditions moist or cold. Natural Health: Paracelsus & Hermetic Principles Alkahest: Panacea & Solvent Alchemy Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Some commonly used ingredients which may be used in the bolus include: Honey : Known for its antibacterial properties and ability to promote wound healing. Myrrh : A resin that had anti-inflammatory properties and was often used in ancient Egyptian embalming. Garlic : Celebrated for its health benefits and believed to provide strength and vitality. Frankincense : Used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Clay of Mendes (Earth of Mendes or Mendesian bole) is an important ingredient. It's sacred to Banebdjedet. As he creates many things from his clay, including people, women who want children bring a potter's wheel to the temple of the god. Expulsion of Intellectuals Alexandria 145 BCE What is the Philosopher's Stone? Khnum: Ram Headed Potter God Egypt The incorporation of specific ingredients demonstrates a strong understanding of the medicinal properties of various plants and minerals. It's also a holistic approach to health emphasizing the balance of body, mind, and spirit. Mendes clays have particularly divine connections. Banebdjedet, his wife Hatmehit the fish goddess, and son Horus the Child, collectively known as the Mendesian Triad, give protection and blessings of fertility to Mendes. The Upper Egypt equivalent to Banebdjedet is Khnum . Music of Ancient & Medieval Egypt Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth Women Scientists of the Ancient World Rituals and Beliefs The act of creating the bolus often involves specific incantations, emphasizing the significance of language and sound in the healing process. Egyptians consider music important when communing with the gods. It should be gently played to please the ears of the deities, or with vigor to get their attention. The spoken and written word or symbol also carries great power. Thus the words written by the priest and/or physician as prescriptions bear the energy and authority of the healer. Valerian: Natural Health & Essential Oils Verdigris: Creation of a Coveted Blue Green Pigment Fulminating Silver: Dangerous Explosives in Alchemical Science Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Fulminating silver is a term applicable to a number of silver base d explosives which "fulminate" or detonate easily and violently, causing lab accidents and serious injuries. Like fulminating gold it's of great interest to medieval alchemists. DO NOT TRY AT HOME. Fulminating Gold: Blowing It Up in Alchemy Argyropoeia: Silver Making of Ancients Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Stability of the compounds can vary, depending on how they are stored or handled, with levels of hydration often being a major factor. Rate of decomposition is important to know as decomposition can be involved in creation of explosives. The term "fulminating silver" is ambiguous. It can refer to various explosive silver compounds, including silver fulminate, silver nitride, or silver azide, a breakdown product of Tollen's reagent or an alchemical blend without the fulminate anion. Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life Famous Women of Renaissance Alchemy Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Fulminating silver may refer to: Silver Fulminate (Argentous fulminate) Silver fulminate (AgCNO) is the highly explosive silver salt of fulminic acid. A primary explosive, silver fulminate is highly sensitive to impact, heat, pressure, and electricity. Even small amounts can trigger an explosion with a light touch, water drop, or static discharge. It self-detonates easily, preventing aggregation in large quantities. Nonetheless it's the only fulminating silver stable enough to adapt for commercial use. Edward Charles Howard synthesizes it in 1800 along with mercury fulminate. Oil of Philosophers: Alchemy Health & Beauty Johann Glauber: Fulminating Gold & Sodium Sulfate Acetic Acid: Vinegar 🜊 in Ancient Alchemy Silver Azide, Ag N3 Silver azide, with the chemical formula AgN3, is a silver(I) salt derived from hydrazoic acid, forming colorless crystals. Like many azides, this compound is highly explosive. Synthesis of silver azide involves the reaction of an aqueous solution of silver nitrate with sodium azide, resulting in the precipitation of silver azide as a white solid. Sodium nitrate remains in the solution. Renaissance Apocalypse: End is Nigh 5 Waters of Ancient Alchemy: Aqua Caustic Platinum (Pt): Junk Metal to Pure Treasure A decomposition product of Tollens' reagent The reagent is named after the German chemist who invents it in the early 19th century. It consists of a mixture of silver nitrate ( lapis infernalis , lunar caustic), ammonium hydroxide (a solution of ammonia in water) and some sodium hydroxide (lye, caustic soda). The reagent is known to have a very short shelf life and its decomposition renders an explosive. In the lab it has to be made as needed. Tollens' reagent is also used to apply a silver mirror to glassware; for example the inside of an insulated vacuum flask. Goethite: The Other Iron-Rich Mineral Women Scientists of the Ancient World Alchemy: How to Make Rosaceum Oil Silver Nitride, Ag3N One of the earliest silver based explosives, silver nitride is the alchemical substance argentum fulminans meaning fulminating silver. Silver nitride is a black, metallic-looking solid. It's formed when silver oxide or silver nitrate is dissolved in concentrated ammonia solutions, causing formation of the diammine silver complex which subsequently breaks down to Ag3N. An endothermic compound, it decomposes explosively to metallic silver and nitrogen gas. Catherine de' Medici & the Occult   Diplosis: Gold Doubling & Multiplication in Alchemy Corundum: Secrets of Valuable Gemstones Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The Angel of Violet Light appears in the tomes of alchemy from the European medieval period onward. For many centuries the Angel drifts through fogs of creation and shrouds of decay. Our Angel is prima materia , the lapis philosophorum and the culmination of the Great Work. Johann Glauber: Fulminating Gold & Sodium Sulfate 5 Waters of Ancient Alchemy: Aqua Caustic Literature: Great Literary Patrons in History Alchemy is a medium of experimentation, drawing practitioners of all gender. The lapis philosophorum , the philosophers' stone, is first so named in the works of Albertus Magnus and Raymond Lully c. 1300 AD. Hints are given of it in the 12th century. Back in c. 400 BCE, atomic theorist Democritus mentions a strange rock: " ... The stone is not formed until it has gathered all the colors that exist in the universe, and until it has been colored with all the simple and complex colors." Corundum: Secrets of Valuable Gemstones Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life Fulminating Gold: Blowing It Up in Alchemy The context is lost, but one can be sure this philosophical stone gathers the Violet Light at least in the theoretical constructs of Democritus. Although violet is not named as a color in English until medieval times, its allure radiates through the pages of time. It comes from Latin violaceum or viola . The term is adopted by the French and "violet" appears in English language by c. 1300. The Old French word "violete," initially refers to the flower. These are cheerful hues of spring. Natural Purple Dyes: Ancient & Medieval Herbal Remedies in Medieval Alchemy Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Some Viola flower species are known for a fragrance trick. A key element of Viola 's floral scent is ionone, a ketone compound. Ionone temporarily numbs receptors in the nose, making it impossible to detect any more fragrance from the flower until the nerve receptors recover. The use of "violet" to describe the color emerges later in the 14th century. In the 17th century, the word gains popularity through work of Isaac Newton . He's first to identify the ROYGBIV colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) composing the visible spectrum. Natural Colors: How to Extract Plant Pigments Oil of Philosophers: Alchemy Health & Beauty Antimony (Kohl) Ancient Metal of Beauty & Trade Greek philosopher Aristotle (384 - 322 BCE) develops the first known color theory. He proposes all colors originate from white and black (lightness and darkness) and associates them with the four elements - water, air, earth, and fire. Tsk. Back to art class, Aristotle. Aristotle's black and white theories dominate for more than 2000 years until they're superseded by Newton's colorful ideas. From the middle ages, the classical elements are also identified with colors: red is fire, yellow earth, green water, and blue is associated with air. Alexandria: Jewel of Ancient History Alchemists of Ancient Alexandria Arcanum Duplicatum: Double Secret of Alchemy In European elemental color theory people also ascribe the following: red, fire - earth green - water blue - air white. In the Chinese five element structure: Wood - blue, green Fire - red Earth - yellow Metal - white, beige, silver Water - dark blue, black So everyone is reasonably certain fire is red, but after that it, through time and context, distance and individual, different concepts are applied. But what of our Angel of Violet Light? Acetic Acid: Vinegar 🜊 in Ancient Alchemy Poison Pigments of Painters: Renaissance Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Alchemy Generally speaking there is no purple in the colors of the elements, even though it's seen everywhere in flowers, berries, sunsets and distant mountains. But this is deceptive, because purple is sometimes considered a fire color, and from this purple flame comes our Angel. Violet becomes the culmination of the red or rubedo stage for Renaissance alchemists. The term Angel of Violet Light is in use by the Late Renaissance to mean the prima materia , along with up to sixty other names. Alchemists love codes, cyphers and word games. Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids Sapphire Gemstones: Colors, Myths, Origins & Gemology Verdigris: Volatile Blue Green Pigment This frustrates many readers and/or practitioners of the modern mindset. Not only do alchemists use symbols, they use the same symbols for different meanings or a certain word or symbol whose meaning may change by location, day or alchemical teacher. The prima materia is also given the name "stone of the philosophers", which is technically true as the prima materia composes the lapis. In some circles the emergence of the Angel is the ultimate goal of the Great Work. Amethyst - Divine Purple Quartz Gemstone Alchemy & Prague: Countess Barbara von Zweibrücken-Neuburg Living Metals & Genders in Ancient Alchemy Blue and violet flames are the hottest temperatures of fire, over twice as hot as red. These flames are transcendent, able to combust the incombustible, consume the unconsumable and catalyze creation from the ash of decay. As ever in nature, the end is just the beginning. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Johann Rudolf Glauber is a German-Dutch polymath who revolutionizes the scientific world with groundbreaking discoveries and innovative experiments. His alchemical achievements include discovery of sodium sulfate salts and a use for the purple vapors of fulminating gold . Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy How to Make Copperas Red: Simply Science Arcanum Duplicatum: Double Secret of Alchemy Johann Rudolf Glauber (1604 - c. 1670), is known for his pioneering contributions to the field alchemical science. He's born in the small town of Karlstadt am Main, Germany. Little is known about his early life. His passion for chemistry and alchemy quickly becomes evident. While he doesn't finish school, it's thought he studies pharmacy and visits laboratories on his own. He later says he's glad not to suffer the grind of high school and learn by experience instead. Divine Water: Sulfuric Acid in Alchemy Aqua Regia: The Green Lyon of Alchemy Elixir Vitae: Giambattista della Porta Glauber’s perspective on alchemy is influenced by his enduring belief in the importance of experimentation and observation. Using the principles of alchemical science, Glauber takes a practical approach, much like prior figures such as Paracelsus , Diogenes and Hippocrates. Despite the societal stigma which has begun to surround alchemy, Glauber’s reputation grows, and he's a well-respected figure in his day. He's sought after for his ideas and methods, attracting both patrons and students interested in learning from his expertise. Natural Health: Paracelsus & Hermetic Principles Dioscorides: Natural Medicine of Ancients Arcanum Joviale: Alchemy of Sudorific Sweat A keen traveler, he lives in several progressive cities. They include Vienna (1625), Salzburg, Giessen, Wertheim (1649 -1651), Kitzingen (1651 -1655), Basel, Paris, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne and Amsterdam (1640 - 1644, 1646 -1649, 1656 - death). In his younger years he works in the production of mirrors before serving two terms as the Apothecary to the court in Giessen, with the latter period as the Chief Apothecary. He's forced to leave due to the Thirty Years War (1618 - 1648). Renaissance Apocalypse: End is Nigh Religious Wars Catholics & Protestants France Argyropoeia: Silver Making of Ancients He establishes a pharmaceutical business in Amsterdam, specializing in the production of various substances such as Glauber's salt. This brings him significant wealth but also leads to bankruptcy in 1649, prompting his relocation from Amsterdam to Wertheim. In Amsterdam he marries twice and, with his second wife Helena Cornelius (m. 1641), has eight children. His son Johannes Glauber helps him with his engraved illustrations, such as the one below from a book of Glauber's works. Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Oil of Philosophers: Alchemy Health & Beauty Acetic Acid: Vinegar 🜊 in Ancient Alchemy In the Netherlands Glauber revels in a melting pot of science and experimentation. This move centers him in the vibrant intellectual community of the 17th century. The etching above comes from a translated version of one of his books. The book is over 800 pages long. The explanatory comment is by the translator: "The works of the highly experienced and famous chymist, John Rudolph Glauber: containing, great variety of choice secrets in medicine and alchymy in the working of metallick mines, and the separation of metals : also, various cheap and easie ways of making salt-petre, and improving of barren-land, and the fruits of the earth : together with many other things very profitable for all the lovers of art and industry." What is Alum? Origins, Production & Use Alchemy: Ancient Mordant Recipes for Fabric & Stones Smelting Metals: Metalwork & Alchemy " ... by: Glauber, Johann Rudolf, 1604-1670; Packe, Christopher, fl. 1670-1711 Publication date: 1689 Topics: Chemistry, Alchemy, Medicine, Magic, mystic, and spagiric, Materia medica ... " Golden Age of Amsterdam During this Golden Age, Amsterdam is the most important trading hub in Europe and the leading financial center of the western world. Amsterdam is colloquially called "Venice of the North" for its numerous canals. Rosicrucians: Finding Christian Rosenkreuz Natural Magic of the Renaissance Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Glauber experiments extensively, exploring the processes of distillation and the transformative powers of various substances. His relentless inquiry aligns with the burgeoning scientific revolution, positioning him as a man of alchemical science. Sodium Sulfate Salts One of Glauber’s most notable contributions is the discovery of sodium sulfate, commonly known as Glauber’s salt (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O), in 1625. This crucial compound is first described in his writings and has practical applications from medicine to glassmaking. Glass & Arts of Ancient Glass Making Shennong Primordial Farmer & Healer Alchemists of Ancient Alexandria Sodium sulfate salts are also used in the papermaking process, and in treatment of waste water. Sodium sulfate crystallizes beautifully and has remarkable solubility properties, making it important to industrial dye and textile industries. Glauber calls it sal mirabilis (wonderful salt). Health trends of the time involve "purging" of the bowels, and sodium sulfate is popular as a laxative. Catherine de' Medici & the Occult   The Great Library of Alexandria Sublime Vision of Hermes Trismegistus The Alchemical Art of Gold-Plating: Fulminating Gold Vapors Equally impressive is Glauber’s work on gold plating, particularly his experiments with the purple vapors of fulminating gold. In exploring methods to coat various metals with a thin layer of gold, Glauber use vapors of fulminating gold to get a stunning and durable finish. Glauber makes significant advancements in the field of alchemy, particularly in the art of gold-plating. Through his experiments with fulminating gold vapors, Glauber discovers the secrets of gold deposition. Fulminating gold is a highly explosive substance. It lets off purple vapors. Herbal Remedies in Medieval Alchemy Natural Purple Dyes: Ancient & Medieval Fulminating Gold: Blowing It Up in Alchemy Within these vapors are granules of pure gold, which under the right conditions create a lustrous gold sheen on almost any material. Although fulminating gold has already been known for a while, its use is more a dangerous novelty than an alchemical ingredient. Glauber is the the first to synthesize and isolate many chemicals, including antimony trichloride, arsenic trichloride, tin tetrachloride and zinc chloride. He writes over 40 books, many of which have been translated from Latin into German and English. 5 Waters of Ancient Alchemy: Aqua Caustic Literature: Great Literary Patrons in History Corundum: Secrets of Valuable Gemstones Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Ardent Spirits in alchemy are liquors obtained after repeated distillations from fermented fruit and vegetables. They are thus called because they will take fire and erupt into flame. Ardent spirits are volatile distillates which hold a burning attraction for medieval alchemists. Aether: Born of Darkness, God of Light Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Aqua vitae or Water of Life is typically made by distilling wine. In this method it's also called ardent spirits, spirit of wine or spirits of wine. Aqua vitae is a generic name for all types of distillates. It may refer specifically to distillates of alcoholic beverages (liquors) In the distillation process, one type or a mixture of grains, fruits, or vegetables is heated to generate a vapor, resulting in a clear liquid forming at the top of the container. Distillation is an important process to alchemists as it helps separate and purify substances. Science of Alchemy: Simple Distillation Process Equipment Alchemists Need: Essential Tools of the Trade Living Metals & Genders in Ancient Alchemy When alchemy takes to the convents, one reason is the available of distillation equipment. Every convent / monastery (the words are fairly interchangeable in the Middle Ages) has equipment to brew wine, beer or spirits. These specialized products are often local to a region and bear the name of the maker. Before the 1516 German Reinheitsgebot, the Bavarian purity law for beer, brews use specialty gruit, a mix of various herbs and spices. Secrets of the recipes are well-preserved. Hyssop - Magic & Medicine Herb Lore 10 Wise Plants & Herbs for the Elixir of Life Earth of Chios: Ancient Alchemy, Cosmetics, & Medicine The law is instated only in Bavaria. However, it's not long before brewers across Germania adopt the Reinheitsgebot, for consistency in beer brewing and as a mark of honor and integrity. Many beers today from Germany bear the label, and German beer is still the best. There are a few reasons for brewing in monasteries. The houses of the holy are obligated to provide food and drink for travelers, including beer or wine, standard with a meal. Convents and monasteries also care for the sick and experiment with known herbs to make medicines. Roger Bacon: Medieval Science & Alchemy George Ripley: Alchemist of Augustine Bernard Trevisan: Legends of Alchemy Monasteries provide the supplies needed to work on a large or smaller scale. Many alchemists can't afford the complex equipment or ovens required, thus a convent is an experimental playground. Convents and monasteries are also treasure troves of information. Among duties of monks is to transcribe or translate ancient writings, many to be tucked away in the monastic library never seen by human eyes. Because monks and nuns are expected to learn scripture, most can read and write in a time literacy is scarce. Christine de Pizan: Medieval Writings Sweet Wormwood: Malaria Miracle Cure Celandine: Plant Toxins & Medicine The writings are of interest to those who explore alchemy. One great literature patron of the Renaissance, Cosimo de' Medici , is known for sending people throughout the lands to collect ancient manuscripts from ruined sites or gathering dust in private libraries. Products like bitters, liqueurs, beer and wine, spirits and other stiff drinks made in convents are branded with the name / location of the order. Many gain stellar reputations and business brings in funds for the convent. In this way the nuns, monks and friars retain self-sufficiency. Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Distillation in Alchemy: Ancient Process & Equipment Distillation in alchemy is used to create medicine as well as extract essential oils and plant pigments. In small scale a regular retort or alembic  is effectively used. For industrial scale manufacture the equipment is more complex, bigger and often hotter. The term Elixir Vitae is used by the 14th-century monk and alchemist Jean de Roquetaillade (Eng. John of Rupescissa). He believes the newly discovered ethanol to be an imperishable life-giving "fifth essence" or quintessence  and extensively studies its medical properties. Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy Oil of Philosophers: Alchemy Health & Beauty Arcanum Joviale: Alchemy of Sudorific Sweat Although the Elixir Vitae is often equated with "ardent spirits" the terms are not synonymous. An Elixir Vitae can contain anything from healing herbs to poison hemlock in very small doses. Toxins from plants are considered medicinal, as in a lot can harm but a little can heal. This is also a concept of renowned physician alchemist Paracelsus (1493 - 1531) whose writings often deal with toxic constituents. Although Paracelsus prescribes mercury as a syphilis treatment, which doesn't work, many of his revolutionary theories are applied today. Paracelsus: Renegade Renaissance Physician Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Writing in Letters of Gold: Ancient Alchemy Fundamentally the ardent spirits are distilled from wine, which catch fire when put to a flame. The term evolves to include brandy distilled multiple times. As time goes by the meaning becomes more complex among purveyors; although for alchemists, it is what it is. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Salt in alchemy is an independent mineral as well as one of the tria prima , or Three Primes, a medieval concept dominating Renaissance alchemy. As a representation of earth and the human body, simple rock salt personifies grounding and foundational aspects of existence. Tria Prima of Paracelsus: Three Primes Lake Van: Fate of a Primeval Salt Lake Salt Trade - the Most Precious Mineral Salt holds a significant role in human history and culture. In its natural crystalline state, salt is known as rock salt or halite, or NaCl with trace minerals. In refined form it's table salt NaCl. Saltiness is one of the primary human tastes. In alchemy salt is a symbol of lower consciousness, reflecting the basic or material aspects of human nature. At the same time it's a grounding energy for transcendence or exploration. Salts of different properties are used in alchemy and other disciplines. Alum: Tanning, Dye & Beauty Salts Neolithic Salt & Brine Works Europe Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy By the middle Bronze Age, Egyptians are known to process and trade salt fish. As well as a health necessity salt is a preservative. Its use in preservation is documented in ancient Egypt.  Salt is used in rituals of purification before attempting divine communication. Used heavily by ancient Egyptians, salt ( natron ) is vital for mummification. After removing the internal organs of the deceased, except the heart, Egyptians clean the body with spices and palm wine, and pack it with natron salts. It rests for forty days before the next step. Natron - Ancient Embalming & Household Salts Allegory of the Cave: Vision and Truth Khet, the Body: Death Rites of Ancient Egypt After the Islamic conquest of Egypt in c. 642 AD, Eastern thinkers incorporate Greek thought. They build on mercury / sulfur models based on work of Jābir ibn Ḥayyān . Alchemy enters an Islamic Golden Age c. 800 AD. The alchemical tria prima  arises from Islamic alchemy and the later Renaissance, when Paracelsus introduces the trio of mercury , sulfur and salt. In alchemy mercury is silver, moon, feminine; sulfur  is gold, sun, masculine. Mercury is the White Queen and sulfur the Red King of the medieval alchemical marriage. Solnitsata - Neolithic Salt Trade Town Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Sulfur - Treasures of the Underworld Understanding symbolic significance of salt in alchemy, one is aware of the composition and relationships of the tria prima, their singular qualities and functions as components of all matter or ingredients in making of medicines and precious metals. Salt is a constrictive force and displays characteristics of condensation and crystallization. To alchemists of the Renaissance, salt is the substance of all things physical. It's the fixed principle of all existence. Golden Ages of Alchemy: Renaissance Alchemy of Islam: Medieval Golden Age Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth Sodium or salt enables the transmission of nerve impulses in the body. Sodium regulates the electrical charges moving in and out of the cells. This mineral is also essential for the contraction of muscles. It's fundamental to the process of signals sent to and from the brain. The human body does not produce salt, yet salt is one of the most important minerals needed for physical function. Salt is more plentiful in proteins such as beef and fowl than in grains and grain products. Salt deficiency is medically known as hyponatremia. Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Chamois - Alpine Wild Nature & Lore Cyprus: Prehistoric Humans & Pygmy Hippos Humans ingest much salt from meat. Fish, even saltwater species, are typically low in sodium. Non-meat sodium sources include  apples, avocado, papaya, mangos, melons, pears, celery, spinach, carrots and beets. Olives are salty due to being pickled in brine. Every living thing needs salt. Plants get it from soil. Animals get it from dry sea beds or salt licks. The average human adult body has about 200 g (40 tsp) of salt, all externally sourced. Hyponatremia or salt deficiency happens when not enough sodium is present in the blood. Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Prima Materia: Elements of Alchemy Animal Archetype: Mysteries of the Unconscious Salt has been used in magic since the time of the ancients. It protects against evil spirits such as malevolent demons and the evil eye. A circle of salt puts the practitioner in the center of mystic energies. The origins of salt processing can be traced back to around 6000 BCE. Salting, brining, and pickling food as a means of preservation dates back to 2400 BCE in Mesopotamia. Sacred Marriage: Hieros Gamos in Alchemy Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Archetypes, Stereotypes & Prototypes Ancient people including Jews, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Hittites, Egyptians, and Indians recognize the immense value of salt. An important commodity for trade it also holds cultural and religious significance. Early Christians see salt as a symbol of incorruptibility, eternity, and divine wisdom. For medieval and Renaissance conceptual alchemists, salt is the essential component in dissolution of the conscious self, later defined by Sigmund Freud as ego. Colors of Alchemy: Black Nigredo Putrefaction Colors of Alchemy: White Albedo Purification Colors of Alchemy: Rubedo Magnum Opus The discomfort and harshness experienced during spiritual development are linked to the cleansing properties of salt. In alchemy, salt also relates to the pinnacle of material transformation, attained by merging opposing forces and overcoming ignorance. When in balance with sulfur (soul) and mercury (spirit), the element salt (body) plays a vital role in the intricate web of energies governing creation. Sulfur represents the essence of life, the driving force behind growth and transformation. Anima Animus Archetypes & Sexuality Depth Psychology: Search for Meaning Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Mercury symbolizes adaptability and communication, facilitating the flow of energy within and without. Salt, as the embodiment of the physical form, grounds these ethereal forces, providing stability and structure to the creative process. In alchemical traditions, the harmonious interaction of the three elements is essential for the manifestation of new life and ideas. Salt, as the earthly element, acts as a container for the spiritual energies of sulfur and mercury, shaping them into tangible reality. Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Alchemy Symbols in Psychology Common Archetypes & Spiritual Ascension Through the balanced interplay of these components the alchemist seeks to learn the secrets of nature and nature of creation. For mind/body/soul alchemists, the symbolism of salt extends beyond its elemental properties, representing purity, preservation, and wisdom. Due to its flavor enhancement and preservative qualities, salt is used as a metaphor for the preservation of knowledge and enhancement of spiritual growth. Salt is a bridge between physical and spiritual realms, guiding the seeker through levels of discovery. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Thrace - Tribal Mythology & Lore Casting the Bones - Astragalomancy Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Salt is important from ancient to Renaissance alchemy, and still used today in alchemical projects, dyeing, cuisine and medicine. In Christian German folklore, when wood squeals in fire it's interpreted as cries of sinners in Hell. A little salt thrown in the fire quiets them down. Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy How to Make Iron Oxide Pigment at Home Copper: Ruddy Metal of Myth & Magic Sylvia Rose Books The squealing of wood in fire is due to the buildup and rapid expulsion of gasses. Usually these logs also crack, releasing the gasses. The squealing stops when the air or gas is released. Flame may burn brighter for a moment. Scientifically, salt does not react in fire. In German folklore, salt is an enemy of the devil. If a person spills salt, a pinch thrown over the left shoulder will hit the devil in the eye. Salt can also be used to extinguish fires due to the action of nitrogen. Alchemists of Ancient Alexandria Alchemy: Dyeing Stones to Look Like Gems Elixir Vitae: Giambattista della Porta Sylvia Rose Books The Symbolism of Salt In alchemical tradition, rock salt represents the principle of permanence, stability, and preservation. The ancient Greeks referred to salt as “the divine element” responsible for maintaining balance within the body and spirit. This idea permeates alchemical thought, where salt is seen as representing the material world, the tangible aspects of existence. Islamic alchemy identifies mercury - spirit, moon, Latin spiritus ; sulfur - soul, sun Latin anima ; and salt - body, earth, Latin corpus . Tria Prima of Paracelsus: Three Primes Alchemists of Ancient Alexandria Folk Magic: Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) Sylvia Rose Books Paracelsus popularizes these during the Renaissance. Opinion is divided as to whether Islamic alchemists are the first to include salt in the mercury-sulfur pairing, or whether salt is an addition of Paracelsus. Islamic alchemists of the 10th century explore both sal ammoniac (a white crystalline salt) and arsenic in conjunction with mercury and sulfur. Sal ammoniac or salammoniac is an archaic name for ammonium chloride [NH4]Cl, and is a stock ingredient of the alchemical pantry. Ancient Greek Discovery & Use of Mercury Neolithic Salt & Brine Works Europe Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Sylvia Rose Books Salt as a Symbol of the Earth Element Chemically speaking, salt is a compound (Sodium Chloride or NaCl) not an individual element. The elements sodium and chloride are fixed, meaning they are not combustible in fire. Salt's connection to earth is significant in alchemy, where earth embodies physicality and stability. Alchemists view salt as the solid foundation upon which transformation occurs. Sulfur - Treasures of the Underworld Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Khet, the Body: Death Rites of Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books This aligns with the idea of grounding in reality any spiritual or inner work. Salt emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to the earthly plane while in pursuit of enlightenment. Salt and the Triad of Elements During the Alchemical Golden Age of the Renaissance, alchemical philosophy frequently includes the triad of elements: sulfur, mercury, and salt. Each of these substances symbolizes a different aspect of the process of transformation. Classic Elements & Concept of the One Women Scientists of the Ancient World Colors of Alchemy: White Albedo Purification Sylvia Rose Books Sulfur represents the soul and fiery will, mercury symbolizes the spirit and fluidity, while salt embodies the body and material manifestation. This trinity illustrates how the balance of these elements is essential for achieving the alchemist's goals. Practical Applications in Alchemy & Trade In addition to its symbolic meaning, salt has many practical applications in alchemical practices. Alchemists use various types of salts, including sodium chloride, natron and other mineral salts, for their healing properties and chemical reactions. Spiritual Alchemy: Fixatio (Fixation) Mystique of Nous: Awareness & Perception Allegory of the Cave: Vision and Truth Sylvia Rose Books Cleansing and Purification Salt is used in purification rituals, symbolizing removal of impurities from substances and self. This aligns with the overarching notion of some alchemists of purifying the soul to prepare for higher realms of existence. Catalyst in Transmutation In some alchemical processes, salt acted as a catalyst to facilitate the transmutation of substances. By adding salt to certain mixtures, alchemists invoke changes in the materials, contracting and crystallizing the essential qualities. Natron - Ancient Embalming & Household Salts Expulsion of Intellectuals Alexandria 145 BCE Equipment Alchemists Need: Essential Tools of the Trade Sylvia Rose Books Salt is a Natural Preservative It's known as such by c. 2000 BCE in Egypt. One of the Egyptian trade items is salt fish. Use of salt as a food preservative maintains meat and fish on the road and facilitates travel. Salt is effective as in preservation because it reduces water activity of foods. Protective Properties Salt is associated with protection against harmful magic energies and influences. This belief in salt’s protective properties remains prevalent in various cultural practices even today. A circle of salt has protective powers for home, sacred objects or working with volatile magic. Natural Purple Dyes: Ancient & Medieval White Pigments of Ancient Artisans How to Make Copperas Ferrous Sulfate: Process Sylvia Rose Books Processing and Trade The Neolithic town of Solnitsata at the west of the Black Sea is known for extracting salt from natural brine springs and making it into a profitable business. Trade routes in the Balkans center on Solnitsata. Earlier yet are salt production sites in today's Romania and in China, both c. 6000 BCE. Solnitsata - Neolithic Salt Trade Town Salt Trade - the Most Precious Mineral Salt: Exalted Mineral of Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books Salts as Mordants for Dyes Metals like aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, and tin can take the form of metal salts such as alum, copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate , potassium dichromate, stannous chloride, and stannic chloride. Certain salts are are used as mordants to brighten dye and make it colorfast. Salt for Health As people become more stable, turning to agricultural work and settled communities, grains and vegetables make up a large part of the diet. Adult humans need about a teaspoon of salt a day. Hunting provides salt from meat, but non-meat-eaters have to supplement. Vitriol in Alchemy: Caustic Compounds How to Make Copperas Ferrous Sulfate: Process Science of Rust Earth Pigments & Colors Sylvia Rose Books Salt helps infections heal and is an effective antibacterial mouthwash or rinse diluted 1/2 tsp to 1 cup water or as desired. Bathing in sea water is a popular therapy in Victorian times. Salt in Modern Alchemical Thought The symbolic meaning and significance of salt continue to resonate today. Modern spiritual practices often draw upon the themes of grounding, purification, and transformation associated with salt. Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Difference Between Astrology & Astronomy in the Ancient World Sirius the Dog Star: Stellar Mythology Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top