For the collector of elements from the periodic table we find iodine is perhaps the most beautiful specimen as it comes in many attractive colors and forms. This element which we normally think of as a brown disinfectant can appear in various shades of amber, purple and magenta when dissolved and as black crystals in solid form. A sprinkling of pure iodine diffused in a non-polar solution becomes anywhere from light pink to deep purple while in a polar solution, such as in the gel offered here, turns a dramatic shade of amber.

Iodine is a tough element to place in a collection. Unless tightly sealed in a material that the element won’t dissolve (as iodine is very chemically reactive) it will soon stain everything around it. To make it behave we offer here tiny crystals trapped in glass. Opt for the cheaper solution with loose spheres but keep an eye on your sample that it’s not staining things nearby!