Table of Contents
Introduction to Orichalcum
When the sun rises or sets, it appears as a red-orange portion of the sky. The dynastic pharaohs believed that this area was where their heaven, called the Duat, existed. It was their ultimate goal to reach there. In ancient history, it is preferable to have uncertainty behind and clarity ahead, sitting in a balanced spot where facts and mysteries blend. This position has a solid foundation on one end and a compelling mystery on the other. The following story fits this description.
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Plato’s Description in Atlantis
In Plato’s account of Atlantis, he mentions a mysterious metal known to the ancients but lost today. He states: “And the stone they quarried beneath the central island all around and from beneath the outer and inner circles, some of it being white, some black, and some red. And while quarrying it, they constructed two inner docks, hollowed out and roofed over by the native rock. And of the buildings, some they framed of one simple color, and others they wove a pattern of many colors by blending the stones for the sake of ornament, so as to confer upon the buildings a natural charm. And they covered with brass, as though with plaster, all of the circumference of the wall which surrounded the outermost circle; and that of the inner one they coated with tin; and that which encompassed the Acropolis itself with orichalcum, which sparkled like fire.”
References in Other Ancient Texts
This mysterious metal, orichalcum, appears in other sources. For example, Pliny the Elder in “Natural History” says: “In Cyprus, where copper was first discovered, it is also procured from another stone which is called chalcus. This, however, was afterwards considered of little value, a better kind being found in other regions, especially that called aurichalcum, which was long in high request on account of its excellent quality; but none of it has been found for a long time, the earth having been quite exhausted.”
The Roman poet Virgil in his “Aeneid” writes: “But he upon his kingly shoulders clasped his corselet thick with brazen gold and silvery orichalcum. He fitted him with full and shield and helm of purple plume…”
In the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, scholars agree it likely refers to orichalcum: “Her ears, which she had pierced, they hung with fine gold jewelry and Copper Mountain gems. Her snowy white breasts and her tender neck were decked with bright gold.”
Hypotheses on Orichalcum’s Nature
These references suggest orichalcum could be real, inviting speculation from historians. The word translates to “mountain copper,” supporting Pliny’s idea of exhaustion if it was a regional alloy naturally occurring. Many historians believe it was an alloy made in a specific region, possibly lost if the people died off.
If it appeared only in a few sources, it could be dismissed, but multiple mentions indicate otherwise.
Modern Discoveries
In 2015, speculation advanced with a Greek shipwreck off Sicily containing 29 ingots of a copper-zinc alloy. Many historians believe this is orichalcum. At least one YouTuber attempted to recreate it, showing a white color when polished, which fits descriptions.
In 2017, another shipwreck off Sicily yielded 47 more ingots with similar composition, suggesting a regional process of making or mining.
According to Plato, orichalcum was valuable, second only to gold. If true, it should appear in jewelry or artifacts in museums or collections, not just ingots. This has not been confirmed yet.
Conclusion
Without a labeled batch or recipe, certainty is impossible. Scholars note the metal in shipwrecks was treated as valuable, supporting it as orichalcum. It may be the metal coating Poseidon’s temple in Atlantis or just an ancient copper alloy. Either way, it remains a balanced mystery.