Aqua Fortis (4K 2025)

: Traditionally prepared by distilling a mixture of saltpeter (potassium nitrate) with vitriol (sulfates) or alum.

Beyond its role in historical chemistry, aqua fortis remains relevant in specialized crafts: Aqua fortis stain application techniques - Facebook aqua fortis

(Latin for "strong water") is the historical and alchemical name for nitric acid ( HNO3cap H cap N cap O sub 3 : Traditionally prepared by distilling a mixture of

). It is a highly corrosive mineral acid known for its ability to dissolve most metals, including silver, though it cannot dissolve gold or platinum on its own. Chemical Properties and History Chemical Properties and History : A colorless liquid

: A colorless liquid when pure, though older samples often turn yellow or brown due to decomposition into nitrogen oxides.

: While aqua fortis is straight nitric acid, aqua regia ("royal water") is a more potent mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids specifically used to dissolve "noble" metals like gold. Modern and Traditional Uses