Resorcinol-Urea-Acetaminophen RAM Beautiful Micrograph on Cradleboard by Monica Phillips
12" by 18"
Science is beautiful! This image is a photograph of Resorcinol crystals with Urea and Acetaminophen. Resorcinol has many uses, treating several skin conditions such as eczema, acne, is used in hair coloring, and in wood glue. Urea removes toxic ammonia from the body, is used in skin care products and as fertilizer. Acetaminophen is known commercially as Tylenol and is used to decrease pain and fever. Pure resorcinol, urea and acetaminophen powder is mixed with water and ethanol. A drop of the solution is placed onto a microscope slide and allowed to dry. As the slide dries, the mixture very slowly forms crystals which may only be seen under a microscope. Resorcinol, urea and acetaminophen have an optical property called birefringence which allows the crystals to act as tiny prisms. When polarized lenses are used, birefringent substances naturally appear as vibrant rainbow colors. None of the colors of this photomicrograph have been enhanced by Photoshop. Ten to 12 images were taken and focus-stacked (placed on top of each other and aligned) to sharpen the image. The print should last decades if kept out of direct sunlight. This is a limited-edition photo. Once sold it’s not printed again.