› added 1 year ago

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TIL that a touchstone originally was a piece of slate used to test the purity of precious metal alloys

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5Vex9 TIL about "fordite", a jemstone - like material made out of disguarded enamel paint from the automotive industry. It was a popular setting for statement jewelry in the 1970's.
vDx4 TIL Einstein refused surgery, saying: “I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share, it is time to go. I will do it elegantly.” - he then died the next day
AD104 TIL The magic of Star Wars was largely thanks to one man, Roger Christian, who spent countless hours without getting paid, constructing the worlds on screen from piles of scrapped airplanes.
jOdR TIL the ‘Secret’ Coca-Cola component (flavoring 7X) was leaked in 2011. The ingredients are a mix of herb, spices, and fruits from oils of orange, lemon, nutmeg, cinnamon, coriander, and neroli. This gave the medicinal claims Coca-Cola had about alleviating headaches.
XJr8 TIL: The blossoms of the skunk cabbage become so hot that they melt snow and provide a warm haven for insects to encourage pollination.