The word "alchemy" comes from the Arabian al-kimia, referring to the preparation of elixir by the Egyptians.
The Arabic kimia, in turn, comes from the Coptic khem, which refers to the fertile black Nile delta soil as well as the dark mystery of the primordial First Matter (the Khem).
This is also the origin of the word "chemistry."
In alchemy, symbols were created to represent different elements.
For a time, the astronomical symbols of the planets were used. However, as alchemists were persecuted—particularly in medieval times—secret symbols were invented.
This led to a great deal of confusion, as there are often many symbols for a single element as well as some overlap of symbols.
The symbols were in common use through the 17th century, and some are still in use today.
Unlike those of the chemical elements, the alchemy symbols for earth, wind, fire, and water were fairly consistent.
They were used for the natural elements into the 18th century, when alchemy gave way to chemistry and scientists learned more about the nature of matter.
Earth was indicated by a downward-pointing triangle with a horizontal bar running through it.
The symbol could also be used to stand for the colors green or brown. Additionally, the Greek philosopher Plato associated the qualities of dry and cold with the earth symbol.
The alchemy symbol for air or wind is an upright triangle with a horizontal bar. It was associated with the colors blue, white, sometimes gray. Plato connected the qualities of wet and hot to this symbol.
The alchemy symbol for fire looks like a flame or campfire—it's a simple triangle. It's associated with the colors red and orange and was considered to be male or masculine. According to Plato, the fire alchemy symbol also stands for hot and dry.
Appropriately, the symbol for water is the opposite of the one for fire. It's an inverted triangle, which also resembles a cup or glass. The symbol was often drawn in blue or at least referred to that color, and it was considered female or feminine. Plato associated the water alchemy symbol with the qualities wet and cold.
In addition to earth, air, fire, and water, many cultures also had a fifth element. This could be aether, metal, wood, or something else. Because the incorporation of a fifth element varied from one place to another, there was no standard symbol.
