The chemical compound potassium nitrate is a naturally occurring mineral source of nitrogen. ... Niter is a mineral form of potassium nitrate, KNO3, which see for more info. ... Sodium nitrate is a type of salt which has long been used as an ingredient in explosives, and has been mined extensively for that purpose. ... Soda niter is a mineral form of sodium nitrate, NaNO3, which see for more info. ...
335, 795), saltpetre 66.6, charcoal 22.2, sulphur I 1.1, "which are to be thoroughly mixed on a marble and then sifted through a cloth." This powder is nominally of the same composition as one given in a MS.
Saltpetre is considerably heavier than sulphur or charcoal, and would tend to separate out towards the bottom of the containing vessel if subjected to jolting or vibration.