Turning Clay into Gold - The Secrets of Alchemy and Lustre

In the 8th century, potters working in what is now Iraq developed a mysterious process called "Lustre".

This gave an extraordinary metallic sheen which rivals even precious metals in its effect.

All but turning objects of Clay into Gold...

Featuring Adam Hart-Davis. (c) BBC TV

--------------
1001 Inventions is a global educational initiative that promotes awareness of the scientific and cultural achievements of Muslim civilisation during the Middle Ages and how those contributions helped build the foundations of our modern world.

Working with worlds leading academics, 1001 Inventions engages with the public through educational media and interactive global exhibitions, in order to highlight the shared cultural and technological inheritance of humanity.

Launched in the United Kingdom in March 2006, 1001 Inventions has successfully educated more than a million people, promoted cross-cultural understanding and strengthened social cohesion.

1001 Inventions was created by the academic Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation (FSTC) with support from the British Government.

The 1001 Inventions touring exhibition will embark upon a global tour, starting at the London Science Museum in January 2010 and visiting major international cities over a four-year period.

Please sign up to our Twitter and Facebook:

www.facebook.com/1001inventions
www.twitter.com/1001inventions

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• 1001 Inventions
• Muslim Heritage
• Alchemy
• Lustre

[readthisandsmile1]

was that really gold or just an illusion?

[1001Inventions]

@readthisandsmile1 It's an illusion. :)

[Evilmatt222]

wait so clay can make fake/real gold? thats awsome!

[1001Inventions]

@Evilmatt222 Yes, clay can be made to look metallic, which has been done for hundreds of years.

[woahcoolwaffles121]

you has philosopher's stone. give nao.

[readthisandsmile1]

@1001Inventions Dang it :(

[BolvarFTW]

i remember that presenter he is the coolest guy ever

[Just1Spark]

Neat. But NOT gold. Title should be 'Turning clay into gold colored glaze'.

[Freemoney1000]

are the metal compounds in the clay naturaly or are they added?

[Q8AKIRA]

coooL and thanks