If we were to burn NH4Cr2O7 with HgSCN in the Dark Ages in Europe and show it to anyone, it is us who would be burning next on a fiery cross of Inquisition. And it’s no wonder, since this experiment produces a truly marvelous result. At first, as you ignite the mixture of NH4Cr2O7 and HgSCN, all you can see is that it is slowly burning with a reddish flame. After a while, however, a crater is formed in the middle of the burning pile, and then, suddenly, tentacle-like appendages start sprouting from the burning mixture. And you can almost hear the scream of the mad occultist – “Come forth, Kraken! Come forth!” But of course, this is simply a chemical reaction that is called the "Pharoah's Serpent". It was also often sold in firework stores until people realized that it was toxic.

Отава Ё – Яблочко (Otava Yo – Yablochko; Russian: Яблочко, “Little Apple”). Yablochko is a Russian folk song of chastushka style and dance, traditionally presented as sailors' dance. The choreographed version of the dance first appeared in the 1926 Reinhold Glière ballet The Red Poppy and from there is known in the West as the Russian Sailors Dance.

Palestinian athlete Ahmed Abu Hasira demonstrates his parkour skills during a lockdown amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Gaza City on September 8, 2020. (Photo by Mohammed Salem/Reuters)

A Palestinian man bathes his camel in the sea during a dust storm in Gaza City on March 23, 2021. (Photo by Mohammed Abed/AFP Photo)

Israeli soldiers fire a 155mm self-propelled howitzer towards the Gaza Strip from their position along the border in the southern Israeli city of Sderot on May 20, 2021. Israel is studying whether conditions are right to stop bombing Palestinian militants in Gaza but is preparing for “more days” of strikes if necessary, an Israeli military source said today. Diplomats stepped up efforts today toward a ceasefire to stem 10 days of deadly violence between Israel and armed Palestinian groups in Gaza as air strikes again hammered targets in the enclave. (Photo by Jack Guez/AFP Photo)

Palestinians evacuate wounded people following an Israeli airstrike in Bureij refugee camp, Gaza Strip, Thursday, November 2, 2023. (Photo by Mohammed Dahman/AP Photo)

On Set with David Bowie and Tilda Swinton. A photo taken by Director Floria Sigismondi on set of The Stars (Are Out Tonight), featuring Tilda Swinton.

These stunning sand sculptures are being used to encourage youngsters to explore their surroundings and play in the dirt. (Photo by OMO Lowe)