Western explorers, such as Marco Polo, or possibly Arab traders were responsible for bringing this volatile substance to Europe, and by the 14th century, spectacular displays of fireworks were delighting European audiences.
चीनी वैज्ञानिकों ने पाया कि सॉल्टपीटर (पोटैशियम नाइट्रेट) को गंधक और कोयले के साथ मिलाने से एक विस्फोटक यौगिक तैयार होता है ।