natron
Egyptian embalming salt
Natron is a naturally occurring mineral salt—a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate—found in dried lake beds, especially in Egypt and other arid regions.
Ancient Egyptians used natron extensively in mummification to desiccate bodies, and in glassmaking and cleaning.
The word gives us the chemical symbol Na for sodium.
Crystalline sodium bicarbonate ore
- evaporiteMineral from dried brine
- haliteCrystalline sodium chloride ore
- boraxSodium borate compound
- gypsumHydrated calcium sulfate
calcite · sedimentary · crystal · deposit · lake · brine · saline · Egypt
Sufficiently supplied with fluid
- alkalineHaving high pH
- pHMeasure of solution acidity
- baseSupporting bottom structure
- neutralizeCancel an effect
soda ash · washing soda · hydroxide · salt · compound · formula · crystalline · soluble
Preserving bodies after death
- embalmingPreserving dead bodies chemically
- pharaohsAncient Egypt's supreme rulers
- tombsChambers for the dead
- afterlifeExistence beyond mortality
Anubis · canopic · sarcophagus · Book of the Dead · Osiris · Nile · papyrus · linen
Moisture-absorbing material
- dryingMoisture removal process
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
- moistureSmall amounts of liquid
- absorbentAble to soak up
antiseptic · curing · taxidermy · conservation · hygroscopic · anhydrous · desiccation · food preservation
Fatty alkali cleanser
- saponificationFat-alkali reaction making soap
- detergentChemical cleaning agent
- washingCleaning with liquid
- scouringVigorous abrasive cleaning
degreasing · laundry · dyeing · textile · bleaching · purification · cleansing · household
nahcolite
Crystalline sodium bicarbonate ore
gypsum · calcite · sedimentary · crystal · deposit · lake · brine · saline · Egypt · soda lake
hydrated
Sufficiently supplied with fluid
neutralize · soda ash · washing soda · hydroxide · salt · compound · formula · crystalline · soluble · reactive
mummification
Preserving bodies after death
- embalmingPreserving dead bodies chemically
- pharaohsAncient Egypt's supreme rulers
- tombsChambers for the dead
afterlife · Anubis · canopic · sarcophagus · Book of the Dead · Osiris · Nile · papyrus · linen · rituals
desiccant
Moisture-absorbing material
- dryingMoisture removal process
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
- moistureSmall amounts of liquid
absorbent · antiseptic · curing · taxidermy · conservation · hygroscopic · anhydrous · desiccation · food preservation · meat curing
soap
Fatty alkali cleanser
- saponificationFat-alkali reaction making soap
- detergentChemical cleaning agent
- washingCleaning with liquid
scouring · degreasing · laundry · dyeing · textile · bleaching · purification · cleansing · household · scrubbing
natronacid
Low-pH chemical compound
vinegar · hydrochloric acid · sulfuric acid · citric acid · acetic acid
natrontable salt
Common food seasoning
sodium chloride · halite · sea salt · rock salt · potash
natronwater
Clear essential liquid
moisture · humidity · decay · putrefaction · decomposition