Niter has several uses, from a fertilizer to a reverse aphrodisiac.
Keyword:
soluble, flame test, saltpeter
Citation of a publication:
Reference:
Physical Review, Serie 3. B - Condensed
Matter,44 (1991)p7215-7224.
Authors: Lu,H.M.; Hardy, J.R.
IUPAC name:
Potassium nitrate -alpha
Layman's explanation:
Niter is a large white or grey, encrusting mineral found on the surfaces and floors of caves, in arid desert regions. It is very soluble in water and gives a violet flame in a flame test. During the War of 1812, niter, also known as saltpeter, was mined for gunpowder manufacturing. Today it is used as a fertilizer, a mineral specimen, and is sometimes used as a reverse aphrodisiac to reduce sexual desire in men.
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