752 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (USCG, 1999)
400 °C (decomp)
Density
2.109 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
2.1 at 25 °C
2.1 g/cm³
Physical Description
Potassium nitrate appears as a white to dirty gray crystalline solid. Water soluble. Noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires. Used in solid propellants, explosives, fertilizers.
Other Solid; Liquid; Dry Powder; Pellets or Large Crystals; Dry Powder, Pellets or Large Crystals
White crystalline powder or transparent prisms having a cooling, saline, pungent taste
Colorless or white solid; "Cooling, saline pungent taste" [Merck Index] Slightly hygroscopic; [HSDB] White crystalline solid;
COLOURLESS-TO-WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER.
Appearance
Colorless, rhombic or trigonal crystals
White granular or crystalline powder