1962 - Alchemy in Action: Transmuting lead into gold was the goal of ancient alchemists, but General Electric Scientists have done them one better by making a material more precious than gold from an inexpensive compound similar to graphite. The glittering mound of crystals is Borazon Type II cubic boron nitride, a manufactured material which is not found in nature. Valued at 2 a gram (40 on ounce). it is made by GE's Specialty Materials Department, Worthington Ohio, using high pressure and temperature technology. The raw material is hexagonal boron nitride, the white powder in the vial. Boraz

1962 - Alchemy in Action: Transmuting lead into gold was the goal of ancient alchemists, but General Electric Scientists have done them one better by making a material more precious than gold from an inexpensive compound similar to graphite. The glittering mound of crystals is Borazon Type II cubic boron nitride, a manufactured material which is not found in nature. Valued at 2 a gram (40 on ounce). it is made by GE's Specialty Materials Department, Worthington Ohio, using high pressure and temperature technology. The raw material is hexagonal boron nitride, the white powder in the vial. Boraz Stock Photo
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Image details

Contributor:

ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

FACA5A

File size:

69.8 MB (849.9 KB Compressed download)

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Dimensions:

4429 x 5507 px | 37.5 x 46.6 cm | 14.8 x 18.4 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

11 January 1960

Photographer:

ZUMA Press

More information:

This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.

1962 - Alchemy in Action: Transmuting lead into gold was the goal of ancient alchemists, but General Electric Scientists have done them one better by making a material more precious than gold from an inexpensive compound similar to graphite. The glittering mound of crystals is Borazon Type II cubic boron nitride, a manufactured material which is not found in nature. Valued at 2 a gram (40 on ounce). it is made by GE's Specialty Materials Department, Worthington Ohio, using high pressure and temperature technology. The raw material is hexagonal boron nitride, the white powder in the vial. Borazon is expected to have a bright future as an abrasive for precision metal working applications. (Credit Image: © Keystone Pictures USA/ZUMAPRESS.com)

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