Petrified wood table found in Java, Indonesia

The Nature of Alchemy

Is there anything nature can do that man cannot? As far back as ancient Egypt, Asia, and medieval Europe, alchemist’s plied their trade in search of formulas to transmute one substance into another. Most of their efforts centered on transforming ordinary metals into gold, but they also sought a universal elixir to extend life. While they were motivated by profit and philanthropy, their quest raised a simple question: was alchemy rooted in science, magic, or hubris? The answer may vary depending upon who is asked; but one thing is certain – alchemy was inspired by forces found only in nature.

Carbon or manganese oxide within silica is what gives the interior of this table a prominent black color

This week’s New Arrival features an unusual piece of petrified wood discovered in Java, Indonesia. Millions of years ago it was part of a tree when a cataclysmic volcanic eruption blew it over; and thus began the process of petrifaction, the conversion of organic material into fossil. Slowly, nature began replacing each cell of the tree with silica, commonly known as quartz; and as eons passed the wood turned to stone. It’s impossible to say how long this process took to complete because nature doesn’t take shortcuts. Yet, it only takes an instant to recognize the beauty and wonder of her alchemy.

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