Atomic symbol (heraldry)

Flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

The atomic symbol is a common figure in heraldry and is one of the modern heraldic figures . It is an uncommon crest image and can be considered unheraldic as it is a fictional constructed form.

As a rule, three intertwined, sometimes two intersecting ellipses , mostly of the same size and shape, are shown around a center point, mostly shown as a circular area (heraldic sphere ). The ellipses symbolize circular orbits of electrons of an atom around the nucleus (according to Bohr's atomic model ) and thus indicate a three-dimensionality in the flat coat of arms . The indication of the electrons themselves, for example by placing a ball on each ellipse, is unusual, but it does occur (as in the Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen coat of arms ). With three orbits, the axes are often evenly rotated against each other (i.e. by 120 °), with two orbits the position of the longitudinal axes usually corresponds to a St. Andrew's cross . A predominant tinging is not evident; mostly the circle symbolizing the atomic nucleus and the orbits have the same color.

The choice of atomic symbol is often related to nuclear facilities or research in the field. The coat of arms of Großwelzheim shown below points to the Kahl nuclear power plant , which was built around 1960 and is located on the territory of the municipality. The district of Karlsruhe also showed the atomic symbol on the coat of arms , which was valid until 1972 , which refers to the nuclear research center in Leopoldshafen . The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) uses a similar symbol (“atomic nucleus” outside the center) in its flag .

In the coat of arms of Elektrostal , two lightning bolts rising from the hammer of Hephaestus are bound by the two orbits of a golden atom symbol. In the coat of arms of Schelesnogorsk , a silver-armored golden bear is bound by the three orbits of a silver atomic symbol while it splits the atomic nucleus with its claws.