"Part of traditional refinery methods involves the use of strong acids, particularly Nitric acid. This compound is represented in alchemy as the "green lion" which "devours the sun." The resulting product from this stage in refining is a fine white powder from which gold can be extracted. I used to keep a bucket of this power outside the door to my old workshop, and many people assumed it to be an ashtray.
During the 1930's, many Jewish goldsmiths used this technique to preserve their stock from the Nazis. It was done in the ancient world as well, and tombs and barrows have been discovered with the partially-refined materials in them, presumably to prevent robbers from stealing the hoard. John Dee's supposed sample of the Philosopher's Stone was also found in a tomb. Anyone who acquired this material would be able to produce Karat-gold by adding it to lead and performing a simple chemical process. This, I believe, is the real legendary Philosopher's Stone, to which mountains of otherwise irrelevant allegory have been added."
ah, the things we learn! thanks! i wonder of the powder could be compressed into a block shape, or combined with something to make like a malleable or formable substance that carries a 'valuable secret' - you have given me a grand idea for a new short story!
as for volcanic soil - wouldn't that just be mostly trace vitamins?
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