Saltpeter, also known as potassium nitrate, is a chemical compound with the formula KNO₃. It appears as a white crystalline substance and is commonly found in nature, often in arid regions. Saltpeter has been historically used in fertilizers, food preservation, and as a key ingredient in gunpowder. In addition to its agricultural and historical uses, saltpeter plays a role in various industrial processes. It is utilized in the production of nitric acid and serves as a food additive in curing meats. Its ability to enhance combustion makes it valuable in the manufacture of explosives and fireworks, linking it to topics like gunpowder and explosives.