A pink powder made of zinc oxide and iron oxide, commonly used in lotions and creams to soothe itchy or irritated skin.
From Latin 'calamina' (zinc oxide ore), ultimately from Greek 'kadmeia' (earth of Cadmus). Medieval alchemists used this name for zinc compounds discovered in ores.
Calamine lotion became a home remedy staple for poison ivy and sunburns, yet few people know it was named by ancient alchemists who saw zinc compounds as mysterious 'earth' treasures.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.