Lunar caustic (lapis infernalis), Höllenstein (hellstone) or silver nitrate (argentinium nitrium) is esteemed by alchemists of the ancient world. Lunar caustic is often an ingredient in alchemical experiments. Used in medicine and other purposes, it's highly corrosive.
Origins and Properties of Lunar Caustic
The unique properties of lunar caustic make it a prized substance in ancient alchemy and glassmaking. Its caustic nature, derived from the Latin causticus meaning "burning," allows it to etch metals and create intricate designs on surfaces such as mirrors.
Silver nitrate is a potent oxidizing agent. It reacts with organic tissue by converting silver ions into elemental silver and oxidizing the organic matter. This compound typically appears as colorless, tabular crystals, also sold as a white, crystalline powder commercially.
In medical history it's been used for treating skin lesions, warts and even applied as a painful eye treatment for infants infected with gonorrhea from the mother, which could cause blindness. Of these, the wart remedy shows positive results in lab tests.
Formed into sticks lunar caustic is used to cauterize wounds. Low doses are given for gonorrhea. Brief exposure can cause purple, brown or black stains on the skin. Upon constant exposure to high concentrations, side effects such as painful burns can occur.
Creation of Lunar Caustic
The process of creation involves mixing silver with nitric acid (HNO3) or aqua fortis, a highly corrosive liquid known as the Queen of Acids, the original Acid Queen. Mixing silver with nitric acid causes formation of silver nitrate crystals.
This alchemical process is dangerous, requires proper safety gear and is not for children. This is a flesh-eating substance. It's most often used in chemical metallurgy and chemical reactions. Wear goggles and protective gloves, lab coat.
The formula:
Production of the "Lapis infernalis" in the laboratory:
The chemical silver nitrate (argentum nitricum) AgNO3 is made by dissolving silver in concentrated nitric acid:3Ag + 4HNO3 -> 3AgNO3 + 2H2O + NO.
Resulting nitric oxide (NO) becomes reddish-brown, toxic and sharp pungent-smelling nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on contact with air.
Process of Making Lunar Caustic
The first documented production of silver nitrate dates back to ancient methods of extraction and preparation. To produce Lunar Caustic, silver is dissolved in nitric acid:
Dissolution: Carefully add small pieces of silver to a container of concentrated nitric acid. Pure silver is immersed in concentrated nitric acid. The acids react with the metals, leading to the formation of silver nitrate.
Crystallization: As the reaction commences, brown nitrogen dioxide gas is released. Once the reaction is complete, the solution is filtered to remove unreacted materials. The resulting aqueous solution is then concentrated through evaporation.
Filtration: Let the reaction complete and then filter to remove any unreacted silver. Evaporate the solution until it is concentrated, and allow it to cool for crystallization.
Solidification: Upon cooling, silver nitrate crystallizes out of the solution. The white crystals can be collected and stored for various applications.
The metal silver is associated with the moon, hence the name lunar caustic. Alchemists often refine lapis infernalis by repeated distillation and purification. Safety First: Always wear gloves, eye protection, and a lab coat. Silver nitrate is toxic and causes skin and eye burning.
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