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dragon1n68 t1_jefmlyn wrote

So the nail caused an infection in the tree?

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Kwiercyski OP t1_jefovus wrote

Apparently, the tannins in the oak react with the iron to make iron tannate (or tannic acid). This gives it the blue color. Pretty cool.

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Substantial-Pie1758 t1_jegl9h7 wrote

People in the past used a similar reaction to make iron gall ink. They would take the tannins from oak galls and mix with iron to make black ink.

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Kwiercyski OP t1_jegnl77 wrote

Interesting, I find Oak Galls all the time. I might try this just for the sake of it

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Kwiercyski OP t1_jefninx wrote

I guess. I also thought it might have something to do with the metals itself. Like I know Chrome makes blue compounds

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No_Gear1535 t1_jefqkaz wrote

Iron nails would be hammered into walnut trees to increase the iron content of the nuts

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