Gray Matter

Making Steel with Beach Sand

Thermite powder yields pure, white-hot iron when lit. Don't try this one at home.



Uncovering a Natural (Magnetic) Attraction

A long walk on the right beach could reveal
magnetite hiding in plain sight.



Melting the Unmeltable

There are many ways to melt metal, but an arc furnace can liquefy almost anything you put in it, using only electricity.



Getting the Lead In

Unlock the mystery of the pencil by turning out a few of your own.



Ignorance = Maglev = Bliss

For 150 years scientists believed that stable magnetic
levitation was impossible. Then Roy Harrigan came along.



The Subatomic Assembly of H₂

Tired of waiting for our fuel of the future to come of age?
Grab a cup of water and a 9-volt, and read on.



Making Small Change Smaller

The art of shrinking coins using copper coils, magnetic fields and enough energy to power a small city.



Smelting in a Microwave

Our scientist zaps tin and silver, shatters glass, and arcs his oven to prove a point.



Casting About, from Al to Zinc

The best metal for the job isn't always the ideal one.



Microcrystalline in 30 Seconds

Behold the smooth, sweet powers of liquid N.