Alchemy—the ancient, mystical pursuit of turning base metals into gold—might seem like something out of a Harry Potter novel, but here’s a fun secret: it’s not as distant from our modern lives as you might think. Sure, the alchemists of old didn’t exactly crack the code on immortality or endless wealth (though who doesn’t love a good quest?), but their obsession with 7 alchemy metals in everyday life still resonates on this planet today. From the jewellery you wear to the tech gadgets you love, alchemy’s legacy is hiding in plain sight, glimmering in gold, silver, and even humble copper.
Let’s take a closer look at these metals, the symbolic meanings they once held, and why we still treasure them. Spoiler alert: you’re about to realise you’ve been living with a bit of alchemy all along.
1. Gold: The Shining Star of Alchemy
Planet: Sun (Sol)
Ah, gold—the Beyoncé of metals. Alchemists were practically obsessed with it. They believed gold was the epitome of perfection, embodying divine qualities that no other metal could quite live up to. Fast forward a few centuries, and here we are, still swooning over its gleam. Gold is everywhere, from wedding rings to the logos on your favourite tech.
Whether you’re rocking a gold necklace or admiring it on the sleek back of a phone, gold’s appeal is eternal. The alchemists might not have succeeded in turning lead into gold, but they definitely nailed the hype around its allure. Who wouldn’t want to add a bit of that timeless sparkle to their life?
2. Silver: The Alchemist’s Moon Metal
Planet: Moon (Luna)
Silver, the moon’s metal, is like gold’s cool, laid-back cousin. Alchemists saw silver as a purifying, almost healing substance—one step away from the perfection of gold. And let’s be honest, silver’s been pulling its weight ever since.
These days, silver’s versatility is everywhere—shining on our jewellery, adorning our cutlery, and even popping up in medical tools (thanks to its antimicrobial properties). When you slip on a sterling silver ring or flash a silver necklace, you’re not just showing off your style—you’re tapping into centuries of tradition that saw silver as a force for good. And who doesn’t love a silver lining?
3. Copper: The Conductor of Energy and Harmony
Planet: Venus
Copper is like the warm, earthy friend who brings people together. Known as the metal of Venus, alchemists associated it with love, balance, and harmony. They believed copper could balance energies within the body—kind of like a cosmic therapist in metal form.
Nowadays, copper is all over the place—literally. It’s in your house’s wiring, your plumbing, and even your wrist (if you’re into those copper bracelets people swear by for aches and pains). Whether or not you believe in its healing powers, copper’s ability to keep the world running smoothly is undeniable. Plus, it adds a touch of warmth to any outfit, proving once again that copper is here to harmonise and shine.
4. Iron: The Metal of Strength and Transformation
Planet: Mars
Iron is the workhorse of the metal world. Alchemists loved it for its strength, power, and its potential to transform through fire—quite the metaphor, if you ask me. They believed iron could be reshaped and refined, much like the soul through life’s challenges. Deep stuff, right?
Fast forward to today, and iron hasn’t lost an ounce of its swagger. Whether it’s the steel in skyscrapers or the cast iron skillet in your kitchen, iron is the backbone of our industrial world. And it still manages to make an appearance in fashion—steel watches, anyone? Iron may not have the glitz of gold, but it’s got the strength to back it up, and that’s a transformation worth celebrating.
5. Lead: The Alchemist’s Challenge
Planet: Saturn
Lead, bless its heart, was always the starting point for alchemists—the ultimate “before” picture in their quest to turn it into gold. Heavy, burdensome, and linked to Saturn (the god of time and limitation), lead was the symbol of all things earthly and mundane. But the goal? To transform it into something extraordinary.
Lead may have gotten a bit of a bad rap over the years, but it still plays a key role in industries like batteries and radiation shielding. While you won’t find lead jewellery trending anytime soon (for obvious reasons), its importance remains. The alchemical message? Even the heaviest, most “ordinary” things have the potential to become something precious. That’s a pretty solid life lesson, if you ask me.
6. Mercury: The Enigmatic Metal
Planet: Mercury
Mercury, or quicksilver, is the wild card of the metal world. It’s the only metal that’s liquid at room temperature, which, let’s face it, is pretty cool. Alchemists were obsessed with mercury, seeing it as a key to unlocking the secrets of transformation. They believed it held the potential to create the Philosopher’s Stone—yes, that Philosopher’s Stone—the legendary substance that could grant immortality.
Nowadays, mercury is more mysterious than ever. We don’t use it as liberally as we once did (toxic and all that), but it’s still a symbol of change and unpredictability. It’s a reminder that not all that glitters is gold, but some things are just as fascinating.
7. Tin: The Metal of Wisdom and Balance
Planet: Jupiter
Tin might not have the star power of gold or silver, but in alchemical circles, it was all about balance and wisdom. Associated with Jupiter, tin was seen as a moderating force, often used in alloys to make stronger, more durable metals. It’s the metal equivalent of your wise older friend who’s seen it all and has the perfect advice for every situation.
In today’s world, tin is still holding things together—literally. It’s used in soldering electronics, quietly keeping our gadgets from falling apart. Tin may not be front and centre, but its role is crucial. In the spirit of alchemy, sometimes it’s the quiet ones who bring everything together.
Next time you fasten that gold necklace or admire the glint of a silver ring, remember: you’re part of a long tradition of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. We may not be transforming lead into gold, but we’re definitely adding a bit of magic to our everyday lives. So go ahead, be your own modern-day alchemist—you’ve got the tools, and the metals, to do it.
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