Sodium cyanide is a highly toxic chemical compound with the formula NaCN. It appears as a white, water-soluble solid and is primarily used in the mining industry for extracting gold and silver from ores. Due to its toxicity, it must be handled with extreme care to prevent accidental poisoning. In addition to its use in mining, sodium cyanide is also employed in various industrial processes, such as electroplating and the production of certain chemicals. Its dangerous nature means that strict regulations govern its use, storage, and disposal to protect human health and the environment.