‘Beautiful Chemistry’ photographs show rainbow-coloured results of mixing compounds up close

Images were created by scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Anhui, China They show a dazzling array of colours and textures created when chemicals clash Titled 'Beautiful Chemistry,' the project made use of specialist photography equipment and visual effects experts Scientists carried out small-scale experiments before shooting the best possible images of the prettiest reactions

By Sarah Griffiths for MailOnline

Published: 06:19 EST, 21 October 2014 | Updated: 06:40 EST, 21 October 2014

These colourful photographs may look like works of modern art, but they are really actually close-ups of chemical reactions.

They show reactions taking place after acid is dripped onto a flower, or when a copper sulphate solution was mixed with sodium hydroxide, to create copper sulphate precipitate, which looks like a brilliantly blue swimming pool.

The images showcase the dazzling array of colours and textures created when chemicals clash.

These colourful photographs may look like works of modern art, but they are really actually close-ups of chemical reactions. This image shows purple cabbage being dipped into hydrochloric acid. The acid solution causes the cabbage to change colour from purple to red

The images were created by a group of scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Anhui, China.

Titled 'Beautiful Chemistry,' the project is the brainchild of Yan Liang, an associate professor at the university.

Professor Yan became fascinated by chemical reactions during his studies and joined with two other professors at USTC in February to share their love of colourful potions by taking photographs.

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'Beautiful Chemistry' photographs show rainbow-coloured results of mixing compounds up close