Platinum dissolves in the mixture known as 'aqua regia', a highly corrosive, fuming yellow or red solution. The mixture is formed by mixing concentrated nitric acid and concentrated hydrochloric acid, usually in a volumetric ratio of one to three. When a solution of aqua regia and platinum is created, it forms chloroplatinic acid.
The acid 'aqua regia' is so called because it is able to dissolve gold and platinum, the so-called 'royal' or 'noble' metals. Louise XV of France apparently once said that Platinum was the only metal fit for a king. This, of course, is nonsense, as Platinum was unknown in Europe until after the conquest of Colombia by the Spanish.
What, you may ask, has any of this to do with the shop which occupies part of 183 High Street, the candy pink Hundreds Sweet Shop? Absolutely nothing. But I had to find something un-repetitive to say about yet another kiosk among many on the High Street (such as GSM Phones and Accessories, Sal Fone Mobile, Orientex Mobile, 7 Stars Mobile, Central Internet Cafe and PCO, Get Connected UK, Togane Telecom, Time2Talk and Connexions) where young men make a living out of selling mobile phone accessories, mobile phones and offering unlocking services. Tel 0208 520 0588.
http://www.doctor-dark.co.uk
2008-02-27 @ 13:09