blue vitriol

noun

Chemistry, Mineralogy.

1. a salt, copper sulfate, CuSO 4 ⋅5H 2 O, occurring naturally as large transparent, deep-blue triclinic crystals, appearing in its anhydrous state as a white powder: used chiefly as a mordant, insecticide, fungicide, and in engraving.

blue vitriol

noun

1. the fully hydrated blue crystalline form of copper sulphate

blue vitriol

1. A blue, crystalline compound of copper sulfate. Blue vitriol is soluble in water, and is a very important industrial salt of copper. It is used in insecticides and germicides, in electrolytes for batteries, and in electroplating baths. Chemical formula: CuSO ₄ ·5H ₂ O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue vitriol¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

A little solution of blue vitriol, or a little spirits of turpentine—either followed by a coating of warm tar—promptly cures it.

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Vitriol, vit′ri-ol, n. the popular name of sulphuric acid: a soluble sulphate of a metal—green vitriol=sulphate of iron, blue vitriol=sulphate of copper, white vitriol=sulphate of zinc.—v.t.

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While Pliny gives prominence to blue vitriol, his solution for colouring leather must have been the iron sulphate.

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By placing crystals of blue vitriol in the battery jar, the solution of blue vitriol can be kept up to its full strength for a very long time.

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A single grain of sulphate of copper, or blue vitriol, will communicate a fine azure tint to five gallons of water.

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