Aqua regia

Description

Common name for an acid mixture that contains 3 parts <A href=\fullrecord.asp?name=hydrochloric acid\">hydrochloric acid</A> and 1 part <A href=\"fullrecord.asp?name=nitric acid\">nitric acid</A>. Aqua regia will dissolve all metals except <A href=\"fullrecord.asp?name=silver\">silver</A>. In the 18th century, a block of tin was dropped in aqua regia to produce <A href=\"fullrecord.asp?name=tin chloride\">tin chloride</A>. This dark red colorant was used in marbling book edges.

Synonyms and Related Terms

nitrohydric acid; yellow fuming liquid; nitro-muriatic acid; nitrohydrochloric acid; chloronitrous acid; chlorazotic acid; killed spirits

Applications

Used for testing gold and platinum

Risks

Toxic. Corrosive. Powerful oxidizing agent