At the height of Alchemy, in the High Renaissance, the existence of protons wasn’t known so alchemists weren’t able to change their tactics to get things right. This is the reason transmutation continually evaded them… and why Alchemy eventually failed. Modern science owes much to Alchemy.

Do you think the alchemists were successful in turning things to gold?

Modern chemistry began in part because people wanted to get rich. Kings and other rulers were willing to pay good money to get even more money. Alchemists claimed to be able to make gold (a rare metal) from lead (a very common metal). They weren’t successful, but today it is possible to change lead into gold.

How did early alchemists turn lead into gold?

The intention of early alchemist was not to turn lead into gold. The root of alchemy can be traced back to the Egyptians, say 5,000 years ago. Of course this is defined through very limited historical data. Turning lead into gold is a spiritual process much more than chemistry. To do the chemistry, one had to be pure of heart first.

Is it possible to create gold with alchemy?

Though the philosopher’s stone was a myth and alchemy failed, the alchemists weren’t completely wrong: With modern physics equipment, such as particle accelerators, it is indeed possible to create gold from other elements, though the amounts are sub-microscopic and the process costs far more to create than the resulting gold is worth.

How is alchemy used in the jewelry industry?

Recipes for the “doubling” of gold have become standard procedure in the jewelry industry today. The ancient process has evolved into a closely regulated system for creating gold alloys. Do not hold as gold all that shines as gold. So why did alchemy and its practitioners develop such a shady reputation?

Why was it difficult to turn lead into gold?

Turning lead into gold is a spiritual process much more than chemistry. To do the chemistry, one had to be pure of heart first. Then the chemistry itself, being part spiritual is difficult. It requires many steps. Turning led into gold was not a primary goal in the Middle Ages. I believe it was in the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone.