Niter (砂)
【Naming】
【Source】
Newly Revised Materia Medica
【Common Usage Level】
E
【Botanical Origin】
It is a crystal of the halide mineral niter (砂).
【Characteristics】
It is a white crystalline solid, in irregular lumps or granules of varying sizes. Entirely white or light gray, some slightly yellowish. The texture is brittle and easily broken. White powder can be scraped off with a fingernail. The fracture surface shows acicular texture and has luster. It has a slight odor. When licked, it tastes salty, bitter, and stings the tongue. It volatilizes when heated without melting. It is soluble in water, and the aqueous solution shows various reactions of ammonium salts and chlorides.
In addition to the authentic product described above, purple niter (砂), also known as red niter (砂), is also widely and long-term used in the market. It is halite crystal containing small amounts of sulfur and iron. It is mostly cubic, with edges, corners, or uneven surfaces. The surface is dark red or purplish-red, and the texture is heavy. It has a strong odor and a salty taste. It does not volatilize when heated but leaves a residue.
【Identification】
The best quality is whole pieces, white color, with luster, and free of impurities.
【Category】
Minerals