Ferric Nitrate is also called Iron(III) Nitrate. Appears as violet crystals and is soluble in water and alcohol. It is a strong oxidizer and irritant.

  Makes a beautiful brown to black patina on copper, bronze and brass. It is also used in combination with other chemicals to achieve golden browns, red browns etc. Produces a beautiful rust color on steel. Solutions of ferric nitrate are also used to etch silver.