The Fascinating Tale of the ‘Green Mummy’
Scientists have uncovered the secret behind a 300-year-old mummy’s striking green hue. Recent analysis reveals that the remains of a 12-year-old, preserved for centuries, owe their unique color to an unlikely hero: copper. The combination of copper ions and the surrounding microclimate worked together to keep this mummy astonishingly well-preserved — and vibrantly green.
Copper: Not Just for Wires and Pennies
We usually think of copper as the stuff in our wires or loose change, but here it played a starring role in preservation. The copper ions interacted with the remains, protecting them from bacteria and decay. This natural process, paired with a unique microclimate, resulted in the mummy’s skin and wrappings taking on a vivid green color that looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie.
It’s a wild reminder that sometimes, history doesn’t just get buried — it gets a makeover. Who knew the secret ingredient for an ancient time capsule was hiding in your spare change jar? The next time you spot a green penny, imagine it preserving history for centuries!
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