Antimony: the overlooked metal hiding in over 100 minerals!

Antimony was highly prized by alchemists due to its unique reactivity and properties. It was believed to play a crucial role in transforming base metals into noble ones, a primary goal of alchemy. Sir Isaac Newton, a prominent scientist of the 17th century, is known to have written extensively about alchemy, contributing over a million words to the subject. He viewed antimony as foundational to alchemy, referring to it as a chalybs, which denotes a vital substance in the alchemical process. The fascination with antimony stemmed from its ability to react with other elements that were typically inert, promoting curiosity regarding the nature of matter. Newton's assertion that antimony and mercury (quicksilver) formed the basis of alchemical practices highlights its importance. The term 'antimony' itself derives from the Greek words that suggest it is 'a metal not found alone,' indicating its prevalence in nature and association with over 100 minerals. During the Medieval period, antimony found practical applications, particularly in hardening lead. Some uses even extended to medicinal purposes, where it was utilized in laxatives. The scientific community's interest in antimony set the stage for further exploration of its properties, leading to various applications in metalworking and medicine over the subsequent centuries. Antimony was represented as a symbol within the framework of alchemy, aiding practitioners of the art in their quest for transformation and understanding. In summary, the intense interest in alchemy during Newton's time coupled with the distinctive characteristics of antimony significantly contributed to its valuation among alchemists. The drive to unravel nature's secrets through the study of reactive metals not only defined an era of scientific inquiry but also transformed the approach to application and understanding of materials as a whole, influencing future generations.