[ARC5] Crystals in WWII

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 15 Mar 2013 at 8:53, D C _Mac_ Macdonald wrote:

> 
> "HF" ?

Hydrogen Flouride = Hydroflouric Acid.

Very highly dangerous stuff as it can be absorbed through the skin and will 
attack bone under the flesh. It will also burn the flesh.

It is the only acid that will dissolve glass....and quartz...so it must be stored in 
special plastic bottles.

It is, or was, used to "etch" both glass for artistic glassware, and quartz for 
crystals.

Bliley discovered and used it first for crystals. It has been used for centuries 
to etch designs into glassware, like vases and drinking glasses.

As I said, surprising as it may seem, "Whink" has a bit of HF in it.

Ken W7EKB