Electrum Posers Trivia Quiz

Answer: Iron

The mineral pyrite is iron sulphite, otherwise known as fool's gold. Its brassy-yellow appearance reminds people of gold. Strangely perhaps, actual gold combined with arsenic can sometimes be found in pyrite deposits. The word "pyrite" stems from the Greek for "of fire", perhaps reflecting that it can be used to create sparks when struck against steel.

Answer: To increase light levels by reflection

Cloud seeding science took a leap forward in 1946 with the separate discoveries that dry ice (carbon dioxide) and silver iodide could be used to promote ice crystal formation, particularly in super cooled clouds. Warmer clouds can be seeded using hygroscopic substances like table salt.

The Chinese attempted pollution control by cloud seeding immediately prior to the 2008 Olympics. Austria, France and Spain have all used cloud seeding as a way of reducing hail damage to crops. In Russia, it is not uncommon for clouds to be seeded to improve the weather in Moscow on public holidays. On one occasion however a bag of cement being used for cloud seeding, failed to break up properly and punched a hole through the roof of a house.

Answer: J R R Tolkien

The book is part of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The first line of the poem is unusual in that it turns the proverb "All that glitters is not gold" on its head. This is a reference to Aragorn who, from his attire as a ranger, doesn't seem to be king material. The proverb has a long history and can be found in William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice".

Answer: Gold

Electrum is a naturally-occurring alloy of gold and silver, with trace elements such as copper. It can be formed artificially and is sometimes known as green gold. Electrum is also the Latin for amber which, due to its electrostatic properties, is the source for the words 'electron' and 'electricity'.

Answer: No

Breathing is one thing the skin does not do, so suffocation would not have been the cause of death. Amongst other things, the skin helps regulate body temperature. Coating the skin in gold would upset this mechanism and could, in theory, cause heat stroke. The skin can also absorb fat-soluble substances.

Answer: Nocturnal insect

Sometimes called a fishmoth, it is a wingless nocturnal insect found in many parts of the world. It gets its name from its metallic colour and fish-like shape and movement. They like to eat starchy foods and are not harmful to people, neither biting nor transmitting disease.

Answer: Paris

Eris, the goddess of discord, was not invited to a banquet and chose to throw a golden apple marked with an inscription: "To the most beautiful". Three goddesses contested this and Paris was picked by Zeus to judge the contest. The rest is history, as recorded by Homer.

Answer: Antimicrobial properties

Various metals including silver are toxic to bacteria. This is known as the oligodynamic effect. Many hospitals pass their hot water through copper-silver filters as a means of reducing MRSA and legionella infection risks. Water tanks on aircraft and ships may be 'silvered' to prolong the potability of the water. Another example of the oligodynamic effect is found with brass door knobs which are self-disinfecting in about eight hours.

There is a history of medical use of silver such as in wound dressings and anti-bacterial cream, however the effectiveness of these uses has been questioned.

Answer: Golden eagle

A raptor is a bird of prey, which typically hunts and feeds on vertebrate animals. The golden eagle is native to the northern hemisphere, often around the Arctic fringe. It is a powerful bird and has been used for falconry since the Middle Ages, reportedly to hunt animals as large as deer.

Answer: Nevada

Nevada has the Silver State nickname. This is due to the historic importance of silver to the state's economy which started with the discovery in 1858 of the Comstock Lode. Colorado at one time also had the 'Silver State' nickname for the similar reasons.