Why Chemical Elements?
Chemistry-based puzzles appeal to a wide audience and offer multiple encoding methods:
- Atomic numbers — Perfect for generating coordinate digits
- Element symbols — Spell words using periodic table symbols
- Atomic masses — Use molecular weights for calculations
- Educational value — Great for science-themed or school-area caches
Key Elements for Puzzles
These elements are particularly useful for coordinate digits (1-9):
H
1
He
2
Li
3
Be
4
B
5
C
6
N
7
O
8
F
9
Ne
10
Tip: For two-digit numbers, use Neon (10) through Calcium (20) or combine single digits (Carbon + Nitrogen = 67).
Method 1: Atomic Number Encoding
The most straightforward approach—atomic numbers become coordinate digits:
Example puzzle:
"The coordinates are hidden in these elements:"
N: Boron, Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen, Boron
→ B(5), H(1), C(6), N(7), B(5) → N 51° 67.5
Make it thematic by presenting elements in a chemical context:
"Analyse this compound to find the latitude: BHC₃N₂B (atomic numbers give the digits)"
Method 2: Element Symbol Spelling
Many words can be spelled using element symbols. Our Element Decoder can help find these combinations:
CaCHe = Ca + C + He (Calcium, Carbon, Helium)
GeNiUS = Ge + Ni + U + S (Germanium, Nickel, Uranium, Sulfur)
TiN = Ti + N (Titanium, Nitrogen)
Spell a keyword, then use atomic numbers of those elements for coordinates.
Method 3: Chemical Formula Calculations
Use real chemical formulas and their properties:
"The minutes of latitude equal the total atomic number of water (H₂O)"
- H₂O = 2×H + 1×O = 2×1 + 1×8 = 10
"Use the molecular mass of carbon dioxide (CO₂) rounded to nearest integer"
- CO₂ = 12.01 + 2×16.00 = 44.01 ≈ 44
Use our Chemical Formula Parser to verify calculations.
Complete Example Puzzle
Cache Title: "Elementary, My Dear Watson"
Cache description:
"Sherlock would approve of this chemical puzzle. Analyse these compounds to reveal the final location. All you need is elementary knowledge."
Your coordinates: N A°B C.D E F W G°H I.J K L
A = Atomic number of Boron
B = Number of protons in Hydrogen
C = Atomic number of the element with symbol "C"
D = Total atomic number of OH (hydroxide)
E = Atomic number of Beryllium
F = Number of electrons in Lithium
G = First digit of Neon's atomic number
H = Second digit of Neon's atomic number
I = Atomic number of Helium
J = Atomic number of Carbon minus Hydrogen
K = Atomic number of the lightest noble gas
L = Atomic number of Nitrogen
Solution:
A=5, B=1, C=6, D=9 (O=8+H=1), E=4, F=3, G=1, H=0, I=2, J=5, K=2, L=7
N 51° 69.43, W 10° 25.27
Difficulty Variations
Easy (D1.5-D2)
- Use common elements (H, C, N, O)
- Provide element names, not just symbols
- Simple "atomic number = digit" encoding
Medium (D2.5-D3)
- Use only element symbols
- Include less common elements (Sc, Ti, V)
- Require simple calculations with formulas
Hard (D3.5+)
- Use molecular mass calculations
- Reference electron configurations or isotopes
- Combine with other cipher types
Pro Tips
- Double-check your chemistry. Verify atomic numbers and masses using a reliable source. Mistakes frustrate solvers.
- Keep it accessible. Most geocachers aren't chemists. Stick to well-known elements for easier puzzles.
- Use visual aids. Include periodic table images with relevant elements highlighted.
- Create a theme. Chemistry fits well with lab themes, school locations, or famous scientist tributes.