Have you ever seen a picture of a centuries-old corpse with blue crystals embedded in its skin? It’s a truly fascinating sight, and one that has puzzled scientists for years. What causes these blue crystals to form? And what can they tell us about the lives and deaths of these ancient people?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the mystery of the blue crystals. We’ll discuss what they are, how they form, and what they can tell us about the past.
What are blue crystals?
The blue crystals that form on ancient corpses are called vivianite. Vivianite is a mineral that is made up of iron and phosphorus. It’s a relatively rare mineral, but it can be found in some bogs and swamps.
Vivianite forms when iron and phosphorus-rich water seeps into a body that is buried in a bog. The iron and phosphorus react with the water to form vivianite crystals. These crystals can grow over time, and they can eventually cover the entire body.
How do blue crystals form?
The formation of blue crystals on ancient corpses is a complex process that involves a number of factors. These factors include:
- The type of bog or swamp where the body is buried
- The amount of iron and phosphorus in the water
- The temperature of the water
- The pH of the water
- The age of the body
The exact process of vivianite formation is still not fully understood, but scientists believe that it involves a series of chemical reactions. These reactions start when iron and phosphorus-rich water seeps into the body. The iron and phosphorus react with the water to form vivianite crystals. These crystals can then grow over time, and they can eventually cover the entire body.
What do blue crystals tell us about the past?
The blue crystals that form on ancient corpses can tell us a lot about the past. For example, they can tell us:
- Where the body was buried
- How long the body has been buried
- What the climate was like when the body was buried
- What the diet of the person was
- How the person died
The blue crystals can also tell us about the rituals and beliefs of the people who buried the body. For example, in some cultures, it was believed that blue crystals had magical properties. As a result, bodies that were buried in bogs were often deliberately covered in vivianite crystals.
Conclusion
The blue crystals that form on ancient corpses are a fascinating mystery. They can tell us a lot about the past, and they continue to puzzle scientists. While we may never fully understand the mystery of the blue crystals, they continue to fascinate us and to offer us a glimpse into the past.
