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
Lunar caustic make is prized in ancient alchemy and glassmaking. Its caustic nature, derived from the Latin causticus meaning "burning," enables 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 and 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 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.
The metal silver is associated with the moon, hence the name lunar caustic. Alchemists often refine lapis infernalis by repeated distillation and purification.
Ancient Method 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 first dissolved in nitric acid.
Dissolution: Pieces of silver are added to a container of concentrated nitric acid. The acids react with the metals, causing formation of silver nitrate.
Crystallization: As the reaction begins, 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. The white crystals can be collected and stored for various applications.
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