Alchemy Symbols

Alchemical symbols, originally devised as part of the protoscience of alchemy, were used to denote some elements and some compounds until the 18th century. Note that while notation like this was mostly standardized, style and symbol varied between alchemists, so this page of alchemy symbols lists the most common.

The art of alchemy was handed down through the centuries from Egypt and Arabia to Greece and Rome, and finally to western and central Europe. The word is derived from the Arabian phrase “al-kimia,” which refers to the preparation of the Stone or Elixir by the Egyptians. The Arabic root “kimia” comes from the Coptic “khem” which alluded to the fertile black soil of the Nile delta.

Here are some of the most common alchemy symbols:

Diamond

The Four Basic Elements

Fire Symbol Symbol for Fire

Water Symbol Symbol for Water

Earth symbol Symbol for Earth

Air Symbol Symbol for Air

Antimony– The metal antimony symbolizes the animal nature or wild spirit of man and nature, and it was often symbolized by the wolf.	Gold is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). For the alchemist, it represented the perfection of all matter on any level, including that of the mind, spirit, and soul. The symbol of gold could also be used to represent the sun in astrology.
Bismuth-Although mentioned in alchemical texts it is uncertain what role Bismuth played in alchemical processes.	Copper is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin).
Salt is the third heavenly substance in alchemy, the other two being Mercury and Sulphur. This mineral has been held sacred and has been a prominent religious and social symbol since the very beginning of the human race. It is representative of friendship, brotherhood, incorruption, and purity. It is symbolic of the good things in life and also represents wit and sarcasm.	Iron is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for iron could also be used to represent the planet Mars in astrology.
Lead is the first and oldest of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for the lead was also used to represent the planet Saturn in astrology.	Magnesium– Alchemists used ‘Magnesia alba’ (literally “white magnesia”) which was magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), also known as ‘mild magnesian earth.’
Mercury called quicksilver by the ancients was used to make red mercuric oxide by heating the element in a solution of nitric acid. The reaction of quicksilver in nitric acid is striking as a thick red vapor hovers over the surface and bright red crystals precipitate to the bottom. Alchemists were convinced that mercury transcended both the solid and liquid states, both earth and heaven, both life and death. Mercury is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for mercury could also be used to represent the planet of the same name in astrology. The metal is often also represented by a serpent or snake.	Phosphorus-Alchemists often used light as a symbol of the spirit, therefore they were especially interested in light that seemed to be trapped in a matter such as phosphorus.
Platinum – Alchemists believed platinum to be an amalgamation of gold and silver.	Potash (potassium carbonate) was widely used in alchemical processes.
Silver is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for silver is also associated with the moon in astrology.	Sulfur is one of the three heavenly substances (sulfur, mercury & salt). It was widely used in alchemical practice.
Tin is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for tin could also be used to represent the planet Jupiter in astrology.	Zinc-Philosophers’ wool or nix alba (white snow) was zinc oxide made by burning zinc in the air.
Quintessence (Hermetic Seal of Light) Based on the ancient Pythagorean philosophy, the symbol of Quintessence is considered to be the synthesis of alchemy and is also referred to as the Hermetic Seal. It contains the triangle, the circle, and the square that represent the spirit, soul, and body, all the elements essential for alchemical transformation. The Hermetic alchemy uses the subtle fires of the human body, including sexuality and love as powerful tools for spiritual development, while transmuting the physical body matter into purer forms of energy.	Quintessence (Hermetic Seal of Light) Based on the ancient Pythagorean philosophy, the symbol of Quintessence is considered to be the synthesis of alchemy and is also referred to as the Hermetic Seal. It contains the triangle, the circle, and the square that represent the spirit, soul, and body, all the elements essential for alchemical transformation. The Hermetic alchemy uses the subtle fires of the human body, including sexuality and love as powerful tools for spiritual development, while transmuting the physical body matter into purer forms of energy.