How To Detect Potassium Nitrate

Potassium Nitrate, also known commonly as saltpeter, is used to interfere with drug test results and mask the use of illegal substances such as marijuana. In drug testing, metabolites from marijuana are what is tested and the chemical composition of potassium nitrate destroys the metabolites and makes marijuana usage more difficult to detect. Potassium nitrate is also a key ingredient in gunpowder, fireworks and fertilizer. Testing for the presence of potassium nitrate is relatively simple.

Step 1

Use the hydrochloric acid and flame to clean the wire. Dip the wire into the acid, then into the flame and repeat until the wire does not produce any color.

Step 2

Once you are sure the wire is clean, dip it again in the acid to moisten it. Subsequently dip it into the solid mixture you are testing. Place the wire back into the flame.

Step 3

If the color is weak, repeat step two. A short burst of color should result. The color of the flame burst determines what chemicals are present in the mixture.

Step 4

Potassium bursts in a bright lilac shade. If potassium nitrate is present in the mixture the lilac will be visible. Blue-violet indicates the presence of cesium, red-violet indicates rubidium.