"Emodin Melted with Urea" by Lars Bech

Coming in 9th place in 1994's NSW Photomicrography competition is this beautiful image - whose beauty is surprising, considering what it's made with! Lars Bech snapped this image from a chemical reaction which did not last, but its visual impact remains.

https://www.nikonsmallworld.com/galleries/1994-photomicrography-competition/emodin-melted-with-urea