Metallic symbolism

[Fezzik]

what is the logic behind how the metallic symbols are formed? Table of elements. All of the internal metals have the single dot inside, while the external ones are along the circle or outside it. 

[Tsidqiyah]

I asked this same question a month or two ago. There seems to be little to no actual correlation behind the symbols. Other then the basic design elements.

dots - Allomanticbeads

arcs - Feruchemical bands

spikes - Hemalurgic spikes

 

IF you find out more let me know. al lot of us would be interested in your findings. But it might be wise to look up the steel alphabet on the Coppermind as a starting point for the older versions of the characters.

Edited February 8, 2017 by Tsidqiyah

[Unodus]

this article might be of particular note to you: http://coppermind.net/wiki/Steel_alphabet

You see, the metallic element symbols are derived from the ancient Terris alphabetic symbols- which in turn seem to suggest some form of movement (ie, they could be seen as interpreting the pushing/pulling, internal/external, and the Physical/Cognitive aspect- of each metal, maybe). But, just like the transition from latin symbols to english- as the old order and the language was changed over generations, the symbols evolved. The transition from the Terris to the intermediary could also likely be due to a simplification of writing with a pen instead of a brush, a way that was lost when the Terris culture was suppressed.

It's possible that the addition of spikes was influenced by the existence of Steel Inquisitors in society, who were symbols of authority and closest to the Lord Ruler in the final empire. At a stretch you could consider that the Ruin shaped the symbols to look like spikes as way of subtly manipulating the world into accepting Hemalurgy.

Edited February 9, 2017 by Unodus