Aqua regia
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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