Orichalcum

Orichalcum is a legendary metal mentioned in several ancient writings, most notably the story of Atlantis as recounted in the Critias dialogue, recorded by Plato. According to Critias, orichalcum was considered second only to gold in value, and was found and mined in many parts of Atlantis in ancient times. By the time of Critias, however, it was known only by name. (Crit. 114E)

Related Topics:
Atlantis - Critias - Plato - Gold

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It is not known for certain what orichalcum was. Orichalcum (or Aurichalcum) literally means "gold copper," but the term derives from the Greek ??????????, oreichalkos (from ????, oros, mountain and ??????, chalkos, copper or bronze). It is alternatively held to be a gold/copper alloy, a copper-tin or copper-zinc brass, or a metal no longer known to man.

Related Topics:
Greek - Gold - Copper - Alloy - Tin - Zinc - Brass - Metal

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In later years, "orichalcum" was used to describe chalcopyrite or brass. However, these are difficult to reconcile with the text of Critias, because he states that the metal was "only a name" by his time, while brass and chalkopyrite continued to be very important through the time of Plato until today. For that reason, other authors on the subject conclude that orichalcum is either the gold-copper alloy tumbaga, or a metal that is, in the words of Critias, "known only by name today, but was once more than a name."

Related Topics:
Chalcopyrite - Brass - Plato - Tumbaga

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