Gold parting instead of copper. One part pure gold is alloyed with three parts Sterling silver (inquarting). The resulting six karat (6K) gold can then be parted with dilute nitric acid (one part 68-70% nitric acid to one part DISTILLED water). With the karat gold this low (6K), and over medium high heat, the dilute nitric acid will dissolve the Sterling silver (and other base metals in the karat gold) starting on the outside surface of the 6K gold alloy, working its way into the gold alloy, forming a honeycomb structure as it works its way into the metals. Since nitric acid
Hydrazoic acid lithium) or alkaline earth metals are not explosive, but decompose in a more controlled way upon heating, releasing spectroscopically-pure gas. Solutions of hydrazoic acid dissolve many metals (e.g. zinc, iron) with liberation of hydrogen and formation of salts, which are called azides (formerly also called azoimides or hydrazoates). Dissolution in the strongest acids produces explosive salts containing the ion, for example: The ion is isoelectronic to diazomethane. The decomposition of hydrazoic acid, triggered by shock, friction, spark, etc. goes as follows: Hydrazoic acid is volatile and highly toxic. It has a pungent smell and its vapor can cause violent headaches.