What is "fulminating gold"

Fulminate \Ful"mi*nate\, n. [Cf. P. fulminate. See Fulminate, v. i.] (Chem.)

1. A salt of fulminic acid. See under Fulminic.

2. A fulminating powder.

   Fulminate of gold, an explosive compound of gold; -- called also fulminating gold, and aurum fulminans.

Fulminating gold is a primary explosive first synthesized by alchemists believing it to be the Philosopher's stoneresulting in injuries and accidental deaths from unexpected explosions. "The first high explosive to be made."

Fulminating gold is used as a primer in some aquatic torpedoes. This use was invented by J. Thollen for Britain's Military.