Turn water into liquid gold with this classic alchemy experiment that makes sparkling orpiment crystals appear from a clear solution.
Alchemy
Alchemy is the philosophy and natural science that predates the modern science of chemistry. The word “alchemy” comes from the Arabic word al-kimia. Al kimia is the name of the ancient Egyptian process used to make the Philospher’s Stone or Elixir. Originally, kimia came from the Coptic work khem, which […]
Alchemy Symbols and Their Meanings
Alchemy Definition Several definitions of alchemy exist. Originally, alchemy was an ancient tradition of sacred chemistry used to discern the spiritual and temporal nature of reality, its structure, laws, and functions. Alchemy is often considered a predecessor to the modern science of chemistry. The word alchemy comes from the Arabic […]
What Is Alchemy? Definition
Gold means more to alchemists than the ability to pay for their experiments. Gold represented perfection on all levels including the mind and the spirit. As one of the seven planetary metals, it was represented by the Sun. Many of the symbols used to portray gold in alchemical writings had […]
Gold Alchemy Symbols
Mercury was considered by alchemists to be one of the principal substances along with salt and sulfur. This silver liquid has the Latin name hydrargyrum, literally water silver. This is the reason for the symbol Hg on today’s periodic table. It was also known by the name quicksilver. The symbol for the metal […]
Mercury Alchemy Symbols – Hydrargyrum
Silver was one of the seven base metals to an alchemist and often associated with the Moon. Silver was believed to have feminine qualities and associated with purity. These are several different silver alchemy symbols that have appeared in alchemical texts.
Silver Alchemy Symbols
Sulfur was important to alchemy. Along with mercury, it was believed to be part of every metal. Sulfur, or brimstone was associated with fire, masculinity and the soul. This is why some sulfur alchemy symbols contain the upward pointing triangle of fire, arrows and crosses. These are several different sulfur […]
Sulfur Alchemy Symbols
These are the four ancient element symbols for earth, air, fire and water. Each symbol is shown with a color associated with each element with a stylized background pertaining to each element. The colors green and brown are often associated with the element earth.Bright blue, white, yellow and gray are […]
Element Symbols – Symbols for Earth, Air, Fire and Water
The original four ancient elements for alchemists are earth, air, fire and water. These graphics show the alchemical symbols for each element and the color commonly associated with each. Earth is generally associated with the colors brown and green. Air is associated with blue, white, yellow or gray. Fire is […]