Stones Stories

This mineral is the source of the most sought-after metal of the 21st century. Without it, there would be no modern aircraft engine, airplanes, and helicopters, and ships would not be able to fly into space.

This stone has given birth to many architectural masterpieces that are still admired around the world. Despite its radioactivity, it is still used in construction and even made into jewelry.

The pharaohs of Egypt and Napoleon Bonaparte found their final rest in this stone. To be buried in it is a great honor, even if one had to wait decades for an official funeral.

As the main antiseptic of antiquity, this stone helped mankind to cope with many diseases and to preserve meals. Its products are recognized as cultural heritage of the planet and are known all over the world.

This previously unknown mineral was first discovered in the late 18th century by Abraham Werner, a German geologist from Freiberg, Saxony. He was studying lavas from Mount Vesuvius when he found several fine crystals of the mineral.

Iron Man, a superhero brand owned by US-based Marvel, ranks high amongst Forbes’ richest fictional characters. Few know there was a man with superpowers who lived and died 300 years before his persona was recreated in comic books.

Initially, this stone was used to embellish the cattle. Then it became the symbol and dress code of Buckingham Palace during the most brilliant period in British history, the Victorian era.

Some 500 years ago, Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro captured the last Incan emperor Atahualpa. Although a ransom for Atahualpa’s release was paid with gold, the emperor was still executed. Soon the conquest of Peru was completed; the indigenous people kept fighting off for a few more decades, but the Spanish had firearms in their hands. This drew a final line under the invasion of the country.

British scientists have revealed that breathing causes lead compounds to form within disposable face masks. It reminds of Vladimir Mayakovsky’s lines, ”as our days entered the water pipe, worked by the slaves of Rome”. Which is a typical example of how lead pipes bring about a decline in the population’s average life expectancy.

Two million years ago, human ancestors hardly had any idea what the term ’evolution’ stands for. Back then, their primary source of help was by appearance grey and a somewhat mediocre stone.