Aqua regia
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Description
Common name for an acid mixture that contains 3 parts Hydrochloric acid and 1 part Nitric acid. Aqua regia will dissolve all metals except Silver. In the 18th century, a block of tin was dropped in aqua regia to produce Tin chloride. 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