saltpeters
Gunpowder's crystalline ingredients
Saltpeters is the plural of saltpeter, a white crystalline compound (potassium nitrate) historically important in making gunpowder, fertilizers, and food preservatives.
The term sometimes extends to similar nitrate compounds like Chile saltpeter (sodium nitrate).
Because of its use in explosives, saltpeter carries associations with warfare and pyrotechnics.
Folk belief incorrectly holds that saltpeter was added to military food to reduce sexual desire.
Electron-accepting reactant
- crystallineClear, ordered, brilliant
- mineralNaturally formed crystalline solid
- compoundCombined into one
- nitrePotassium nitrate mineral
soluble · efflorescence · bat guano · decomposition · nitrogen · extraction · leaching · refining
Combustible propellant mixture
- black powderOriginal firearm propellant
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- explosivesDetonating substances
- charcoalBurned wood residue
sulfur · propellant · fuse · rockets · sparklers · firecrackers · pyrotechnics · combustion
Restoring health or preserving
- meat preservationStopping flesh from spoiling
- corned beefBrined, cured brisket
- baconCured smoked pork
- hamCured pig thigh
brine · pickling · pink salt · curing salt · charcuterie · salumi · jerky · smoking
Soil nutrient supplement
- soil amendmentSubstance improving dirt quality
- potashAlkaline fertilizer compound
- crop yieldAgricultural production amount
- farmingCultivating land for food
horticulture · gardening · compost · manure · nutrient · cultivation · agronomy · synthetic fertilizer
oxidizer
Electron-accepting reactant
- crystallineClear, ordered, brilliant
- mineralNaturally formed crystalline solid
- compoundCombined into one
nitre · soluble · efflorescence · bat guano · decomposition · nitrogen · extraction · leaching · refining · purification
gunpowder
Combustible propellant mixture
- black powderOriginal firearm propellant
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- explosivesDetonating substances
charcoal · sulfur · propellant · fuse · rockets · sparklers · firecrackers · pyrotechnics · combustion · oxidation
curing
Restoring health or preserving
- meat preservationStopping flesh from spoiling
- corned beefBrined, cured brisket
- baconCured smoked pork
ham · brine · pickling · pink salt · curing salt · charcuterie · salumi · jerky · smoking · food additive
fertilizer
Soil nutrient supplement
- soil amendmentSubstance improving dirt quality
- potashAlkaline fertilizer compound
- crop yieldAgricultural production amount
farming · horticulture · gardening · compost · manure · nutrient · cultivation · agronomy · synthetic fertilizer · organic farming