Bear moss spores
Bear moss spores are the spores of several bear moss species, especially Lycopodium clavatum . Other names are witches flour , snake moss , forest dust , lycopodium , Alps flour , Erdschwefel , flash powder , witches herb , Drudenkraut , devils claw .
Areas of use
pyrotechnics
Bear moss spores have been used to create pyrotechnic effects since the Middle Ages . In addition to around 50% oil , they also contain valuable proteins . That is why they are even eaten in some countries. Today the powder is mainly used for fire breathers and to create explosion and fire effects in show and film applications .
The effect is achieved by first finely atomizing the powder and then igniting it to trigger a controlled dust explosion . In the traditional way, a bellows or a blowpipe is used here to swirl the dust particles in the air. In addition, club moss spores (in show, especially concert effects) are often thrown and ignited by a propellant charge (mostly still black powder ) through a pipe (mortar, also with other pyrotechnic effects). This creates jet flames up to 10 m high.
In the Middle Ages, bear moss spores were an integral part of magical rituals and sorcery . Even then, people knew about the bright flash of flame that arises when Lycopodium is thrown into a source of fire.
In rural areas, soot was removed from food and chimneys by means of the ignition of ramsons through the resulting dust explosion . The disadvantageous side effect was that the chimney could also be damaged in the event of an overdose. Under certain circumstances, not only did the soot burn down, but the house too.
The temperature of the flame that arises when the spores are burned can be classified as relatively low.
The Lycopodium powder, which is obtained from the spore capsules of the bear moss, is slightly yellowish, odorless and tasteless. It has the positive property, especially when used for fire-breathing, that it is extremely difficult to absorb moisture . It is largely harmless to health. Asthmatics and allergy sufferers are nevertheless not advised to inhale.
To date it has not been possible to synthetically manufacture a product with comparable properties .
There is an increased risk of explosion when using pure oxygen.
Pharmaceutical Galenics
Bear moss spores were used by pharmacists as a release agent in the manufacture of the drug form “ pills ” to prevent them from sticking together.
microscopy
Both the very constant grain weight and the very constant dimensions (30 +/- 2 μm) of the Lycopodium spores are used to compare them with objects to be examined. Since both the dimensions and the grain weight of the spores are known, a sample can be characterized in the field of view of the microscope by adding it.
Restoration trade
Bear moss spores are also used in the restoration trade, where they are mixed with chalk and isinglass to create a filler . The spores serve as a low-weight filler that also has a positive effect on the elastic properties of the filler.
forensic science
With the help of the spores of Lycopodium, fingerprints can be made visible in forensics . Other substances are usually available today.
Physics experiment
Bear moss spores are hydrophobic. Sprinkled sparingly on the surface of water, they spread, i.e. they are evenly distributed due to the surface tension of water. Even a trace of soap or detergent ( surfactant ) tears a clearly visible hole in the Lycopodium layer due to the lowering of the surface tension.
A classic school experiment is also to stick a finger in water with such a layer on it. The finger is not wet after pulling it out.
In another experiment from chemistry and physics , the bear moss spores are used to determine the size of an atom (see oil stain experiment ).
Colored, dusty bear moss spores were used in the experiments of the inventor of xerography, Chester F. Carlson, together with his assistant Otto Kornei . After sprinkling with Lycopodium powder, the spore particles only adhered to the electrically charged partial surfaces of a sulfur-coated platelet.
Wind indicator
Scattered into the air, bear moss spores can be used to make even the slightest air currents visible (e.g. during stand hunting ).