Erugo

/ɪˈruːɡoʊ/ noun

Definition

Verdigris; the greenish or bluish coating that forms on copper when it oxidizes.

Etymology

From Latin erugo, possibly related to 'aes' (copper) and 'aerugo' (rust of copper). This technical term was used in alchemy and metallurgy.

Kelly Says

Erugo was super important to medieval alchemists who studied copper oxidation—they thought verdigris might help turn lead into gold, so they watched it very carefully!

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