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class="comp article-header-block mntl-block "><ul id="breadcrumbs_1-0" class="comp breadcrumbs mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block type--squirrel breadcrumbs" data-tracking-container="true"><li id="mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0" class="comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/sciences-math-4132465" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_5-0" class="mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Science, Tech, Math</span></a> <span id="breadcrumbs__separator_1-0" class="comp breadcrumbs__separator mntl-text-block">›</span></li> <li id="mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0" class="comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/science-4132464" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_6-0" class="mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Science</span></a> <span id="breadcrumbs__separator_2-0" class="comp breadcrumbs__separator mntl-text-block">›</span></li> <li id="mntl-breadcrumbs__item_3-0" class="comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/chemistry-4133594" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_7-0" class="mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Chemistry</span></a> <span id="breadcrumbs__separator_3-0" class="comp breadcrumbs__separator mntl-text-block">›</span></li></ul> <div id="article-heading_1-0" class="comp article-heading mntl-article-header"> <h1 class="article-heading type--lion">Gunpowder Facts and History</h1> <p class="article-subheading type--dog">Learn about Black Powder</p> </div></div> </div><div class="loc article-post-header"><div id="post-header-social-block_1-0" class="comp post-header-social-block mntl-block"><div id="social-share-block_1-0" class="comp social-share-block mntl-block"><ul id="social-share_1-0" class="comp social-share mntl-social-share share" data-title="Gunpowder Facts and History" document="StructuredContentDocumentEx{parent=BaseDocumentEx{templateType=STRUCTUREDCONTENT, documentId=607754, bestTitle='Gunpowder Facts and History'}}" data-description="Black powder is used as a propellant for bullets, as well as for fireworks and rocketry. Learn how gunpowder works and a bit about its history." data-tracking-container="true"> <li class="share-item share-item-facebook"> <span data-href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thoughtco.com%2Fgunpowder-facts-and-history-607754%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook.com%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dsocial-share-article" data-network="facebook" data-click-tracked="true" class="share-link share-link-facebook" tabindex="0" title="Share on Facebook" aria-label="Share on Facebook" role="link"> <svg class="icon icon-facebook " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-facebook" href="#icon-facebook"></use> </svg> </span> </li> <li class="share-item share-item-flipboard"> <span data-href="https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?v=2&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thoughtco.com%2Fgunpowder-facts-and-history-607754%3Futm_source%3Dflipit%26utm_medium%3Dweb%26utm_campaign%3Dwidgets%26utm_content%3Dwww.thoughtco.com&title=Gunpowder+Facts+and+History&t=1739848263006" data-network="flipboard" data-click-tracked="true" class="share-link share-link-flipboard" tabindex="0" title="Share on Flipboard" aria-label="Share on Flipboard" role="link"> <svg class="icon icon-flipboard " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-flipboard" href="#icon-flipboard"></use> </svg> </span> </li> <li class="share-item share-item-email"> <span data-href="https://www.thoughtco.com/gunpowder-facts-and-history-607754?utm_source=emailshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=shareurlbuttons" data-network="emailshare" data-click-tracked="true" class="share-link share-link-email" tabindex="0" title="Email this article" aria-label="Email this article" role="link"> <svg class="icon icon-envelope " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-envelope" href="#icon-envelope"></use> </svg> </span> </li> </ul></div> <form id="print-button_1-0" class="comp print-button" method="POST" action="/gunpowder-facts-and-history-607754?print" target="_blank"> <button class="mntl-print-button__btn" aria-label="Print this article."> Print <svg class="icon icon-print mntl-print-button__icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-print" href="#icon-print"></use> </svg> </button> <input type="hidden" value="true" name="print" /> <input type="hidden" value="1c4d7277189f19225971d170cc62e45e" name="CSRFToken" /> </form></div> <figure id="figure-article_1-0" class="comp figure-article mntl-universal-primary-image lock-primary right-rail__offset figure-portrait primary-image"> <div class="primary-image__media"> <div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:81.5%;"> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/MZikWnHYW1PRTOrKH-mOAqtaWmU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-83189380-56cfda653df78cfb37ae0f61.jpg" width="3495" height="2850" srcset="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/MZikWnHYW1PRTOrKH-mOAqtaWmU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-83189380-56cfda653df78cfb37ae0f61.jpg 1500w" sizes="750px" alt="While black powder still is used for fireworks and some firearms, safer and less-smoky substitutes are common. Pyrodex is a common black powder substitute." class=" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry" onload="(function(e){e.classList.add('loaded')})(this)" style="--blurry: url('data:image/gif;charset=utf-8;base64,R0lGODlhCQAHAPUAAC40NzIyMkVDSkZJRUlDRFlbX390cHt7eaqGeJGIjKeWit3EuOnn2e3t6+/v7+/v8u7w7+7z9u729u7y+e/z+O/z+u70+O70+vTv5vTv6vXt7/Hv8vLv8/Pv+vDx6/Hx7/Dy7fPx7/P07PDw8vHz8vPz8/Dx9vHy9vHy9/Pw9vLy9PD19vH29/P09vT08vLz+PDy//D0+/H1+vP0+PL2/fbz+PT1+fX2+/P4+S40Ny40Ny40Ny40Ny40Ny40Ny40NywAAAAACQAHAEUISgBlUIix4kWMCBcs2EBBogAAAgpQoHBBQ8MBAwxa2GBRQkUIETUwZGgAosKLEzBGOJCAY8KNGQkCCBhgwsODGRtScOiAYAGEDwEBADs=')" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/MZikWnHYW1PRTOrKH-mOAqtaWmU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-83189380-56cfda653df78cfb37ae0f61.jpg" width="3495" height="2850" class="loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry" srcset="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/MZikWnHYW1PRTOrKH-mOAqtaWmU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-83189380-56cfda653df78cfb37ae0f61.jpg 1500w" sizes="750px" alt="While black powder still is used for fireworks and some firearms, safer and less-smoky substitutes are common. Pyrodex is a common black powder substitute." /> </noscript> </div> </div> <figcaption id="primary-image__figcap_1-0" class="comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption"> <svg class="icon icon-camera figure-article-caption-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-camera" href="#icon-camera"></use> </svg> <span class="figure-article-caption-text">While black powder still is used for fireworks and some firearms, safer and less-smoky substitutes are common. Pyrodex is a common black powder substitute.</span> <span class="figure-article-caption-owner">Dave King, Getty Images</span> </figcaption></figure> </div><div class="loc article-left-rail"> <div id="breadcrumbs-list_2-0" class="comp breadcrumbs-list hide-toplevel-small" data-tracking-container="true"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/science-4132464" rel="nocaes" class="breadcrumbs-list-image" ><div class="loc image"><img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/GlGRAYLjgFbTQlbxhxfdvvPh9L8=/150x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/left_rail_image_science-58a22da268a0972917bfb5cc.png" width="150" height="0" alt="Science" class=" universal-image__image" /> </div></a> <span class="breadcrumbs-list-title"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/science-4132464" rel="nocaes" >Science</a> </span> <ul class="breadcrumbs-list-list"> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item is-active"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/chemistry-4133594" rel="nocaes" data-ordinal="1" 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She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/anne-marie-helmenstine-ph-d-601916" rel="nocaes" data-trigger-link="true" class="mntl-attribution__item-name" tabindex="-1" >Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.</a> <div id="mntl-author-tooltip_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group "> <div class="mntl-author-tooltip__top mntl-author-tooltip__top--no-image"> <div id="mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item "> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/anne-marie-helmenstine-ph-d-601916" rel="nocaes" class="mntl-attribution__item-name" tabindex="0" >Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.</a> </div> <div id="mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav reference-social-nav mntl-social-nav" data-tracking-container="true"> <ul class="social-nav__list"> <li class="social-nav__item social-nav__item--facebook"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboutcom-Chemistry/244818558903541" target="_blank" rel="noopener nocaes" class="social-nav__link social-nav__link--facebook" aria-label="Visit Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.'s Facebook" > <svg class="icon icon-facebook social-nav__icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-facebook" href="#icon-facebook"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="social-nav__item social-nav__item--x"> <a href="https://twitter.com/azareal" target="_blank" rel="noopener nocaes" class="social-nav__link social-nav__link--x" aria-label="Visit Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.'s X" > <svg class="icon icon-x social-nav__icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-x" href="#icon-x"></use> </svg> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <span id="mntl-author-tooltip__job-title_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__job-title mntl-text-block">Chemistry Expert</span> <ul id="mntl-author-tooltip__education_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__education mntl-block"><li id="mntl-author-tooltip__education-item_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__education-item mntl-text-block">Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville</li> <li id="mntl-author-tooltip__education-item_2-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__education-item mntl-text-block">B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College</li></ul> <div class="mntl-author-tooltip__bio"> Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. </div> </div> <div class="mntl-author-tooltip__bottom"> <span class="mntl-author-tooltip__learn-more-text">Learn about our</span> <a href="/about-us-4779650#toc-editorial-guidelines" rel="nocaes" class="mntl-author-tooltip__learn-more-link" >Editorial Process</a> </div> </div></div> </div> <div class="mntl-attribution__item-date">Updated on June 06, 2019</div></div> </div></div> </div><div class="loc article-content"><div id="article-content_1-0" class="comp article-content mntl-block"><div id="mntl-sc-page_1-0" class="comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block structured-content expert-content" data-sc-sticky-offset="85" data-sc-ad-label-height="24" data-sc-ad-track-spacing="100" data-sc-min-track-height="250" data-sc-max-track-height="600" data-sc-breakpoint="50em" data-sc-load-immediate="3" data-sc-content-positions="[1, 1050, 1250, 1550, 1950, 2350, 2750, 3150]" data-bind-scroll-on-start="true"><p id="mntl-sc-block_1-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> <strong>Gunpowder</strong> or <strong>black powder</strong> is of great historical importance in chemistry. Although it can explode, its principal use is as a propellant. Gunpowder was invented by Chinese <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/alchemy-symbols-and-meanings-4065063" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">alchemists</a> in the 9th century. Originally, it was made by mixing elemental <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/black-powder-composition-607336" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2">sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter</a> (<a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/where-to-buy-saltpeter-or-potassium-nitrate-3976011" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="3">potassium nitrate</a>). The <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/how-does-activated-charcoal-work-604294" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="4">charcoal</a> traditionally came from the willow tree, but grapevine, hazel, elder, laurel, and pine cones have all been used. Charcoal is not the only fuel that can be used. Sugar is used instead in many <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/how-fireworks-work-pyrotechnics-science-607860" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="5">pyrotechnic applications</a>. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_2-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <p id="mntl-sc-block_3-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> When the ingredients were <a href="http://azareal.wordpress.com/2008/06/10/how-to-make-black-powder-or-gunpowder/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">carefully ground together</a>, the end result was a powder that was called "serpentine." The ingredients tended to require remixing prior to use, so making gunpowder was very dangerous. People who made gunpowder would sometimes add water, wine, or another liquid to reduce this hazard since a single spark could result in a smoky fire. Once the serpentine was mixed with a liquid, it could be pushed through a screen to make small pellets, which were then allowed to dry. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_4-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-how-gunpowder-works"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_5-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> How Gunpowder Works </span> </h2> <p id="mntl-sc-block_6-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> To summarize, black powder consists of a fuel (charcoal or sugar) and an <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxidizer-605458" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">oxidizer</a> (saltpeter or niter), and <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/sulfur-facts-606599" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2">sulfur</a>, to allow for a stable reaction. The carbon from the charcoal plus oxygen forms carbon dioxide and energy. The reaction would be slow, like a wood fire, except for the oxidizing agent. Carbon in a fire must draw oxygen from the air. Saltpeter provides extra oxygen. Potassium nitrate, sulfur, and carbon react together to form nitrogen and carbon dioxide gases and potassium sulfide. The expanding gases, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, provide the propelling action. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_7-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <p id="mntl-sc-block_8-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> Gunpowder tends to produce a <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/ultimate-colored-smoke-bomb-605967" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">lot of smoke</a>, which can impair vision on a battlefield or reduce the visibility of fireworks. Changing the ratio of the ingredients affects the rate at which the gunpowder burns and the amount of smoke that is produced. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_9-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-difference-between-gunpowder-and-black-powder"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_10-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> Difference Between Gunpowder and Black Powder </span> </h2> <p id="mntl-sc-block_11-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> While black powder and traditional gunpowder may both be used in firearms, the term "black powder" was introduced in the late 19th century in the United States to distinguish newer formulations from traditional gunpowder. Black powder produces less smoke than the original gunpowder formula. It's worth noting early black powder was actually off-white or tan in color, not black! </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_12-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-charcoal-versus-carbon-in-gunpowder"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_13-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> Charcoal Versus Carbon in Gunpowder </span> </h2> <p id="mntl-sc-block_14-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> Pure amorphous carbon is not used in black powder. Charcoal, while it contains carbon, also contains cellulose from incomplete combustion of wood. This gives charcoal a relatively low ignition temperature. Black powder made from pure carbon would barely burn. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_15-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-gunpowder-composition"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_16-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> Gunpowder Composition </span> </h2> <p id="mntl-sc-block_17-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> There is no single "recipe" for gunpowder. This is because varying the ratio of the ingredients produces different effects. Powder used in firearms needs to burn at a fast rate to quickly accelerate a projectile. A formulation used as a rocket propellant, on the other hand, needs to burn more slowly because it accelerates a body over a long period of time. Cannon, like rockets, use a powder with a slower burn rate. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_18-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <p id="mntl-sc-block_19-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> In 1879, the French prepared gunpowder using 75% saltpeter, 12.5% sulfur, and 12.5% charcoal. The same year, the English used gunpowder made from 75% saltpeter, 15% charcoal, and 10% sulfur. One rocket formula consisted of 62.4% saltpeter, 23.2% charcoal, and 14.4% sulfur. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_20-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-gunpowder-invention"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_21-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> Gunpowder Invention </span> </h2> <p id="mntl-sc-block_22-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> Historians believe gunpowder originated in China. Originally, it was used as an <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-molotov-cocktail-607312" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">incendiary</a>. Later, it found use as a propellant and explosive. It remains unclear when, exactly, gunpowder made its way to Europe. Basically, this is because records describing the use of gunpowder are difficult to interpret. A weapon that produced smoke might have used gunpowder or could have used some other formulation. The formulas that came into use in Europe closely matched those used in China, suggesting the technology was introduced after it had already been developed. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_23-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-sources"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_24-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> Sources </span> </h2> <ul id="mntl-sc-block_25-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> <li><cite>Agrawal, Jai Prakash (2010). <em>High Energy Materials: Propellants, Explosives and Pyrotechnics</em>. Wiley-VCH.</cite></li><li><cite>Andrade, Tonio (2016). <em>The Gunpowder Age: China, Military Innovation, and the Rise of the West in World History</em>. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-13597-7.</cite></li><li><cite>Ashford, Bob (2016). "A New Interpretation of the Historical Data on the Gunpowder Industry in Devon and Cornwall". <em>J. Trevithick Soc</em>. <strong>43</strong>: 65–73.</cite></li><li><cite>Partington, J.R. (1999). <em>A History of Greek Fire and Gunpowder</em>. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 978-0-8018-5954-0.</cite></li><li><cite>Urbanski, Tadeusz (1967), <em>Chemistry and Technology of Explosives</em>, <strong>III</strong>. New York: Pergamon Press.</cite></li> </ul></div> <div id="sources-and-citation_1-0" class="comp sources-and-citation mntl-block"><div id="citation-widget_1-0" class="comp citation-widget js-citation-widget" data-tracking-container="true"> <div class="citation-widget__container js-container"> <button class="citation-widget__button js-button"> <span class="citation-widget__cite-label">Cite this Article </span> <svg class="icon icon-cite citation-widget__icon-cite" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-cite" href="#icon-cite"></use> </svg> </button> <div class="citation-widget__window js-window"> <svg class="icon icon-close citation-widget__icon-close js-icon-close" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-close" href="#icon-close"></use> </svg> <div class="citation-widget__heading">Format</div> <a href="#" class="citation-widget__format-link citation-widget__format-link--active js-format-link">mla</a> <a href="#" class="citation-widget__format-link js-format-link">apa</a> <a href="#" class="citation-widget__format-link js-format-link">chicago</a> <div class="citation-widget__heading">Your Citation</div> <div class="citation-widget__content js-content"> <span class="citation-widget__citation citation-widget__citation--active js-active" data-citation-format="mla">Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Gunpowder Facts and History." ThoughtCo, Jul. 29, 2021, thoughtco.com/gunpowder-facts-and-history-607754.</span> <span class="citation-widget__citation" data-citation-format="apa">Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, July 29). Gunpowder Facts and History. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/gunpowder-facts-and-history-607754</span> <span class="citation-widget__citation" data-citation-format="chicago">Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Gunpowder Facts and History." 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