Copper sulfate
Copper sulfate is the most common copper salt, made by the action of sulfuric acid on the base copper oxide. The hydrated form is a deep blue crystalline solid and dehydrates at 110 degrees celcius. The hydrated form decomposes at 600 degrees celcius. The formula is CuSO4 (anhydrous form), and CuSO4.5H2O (hydrated form).
It can be used to plate metals with copper; as a fungicide or herbicide; or as a chemical test for water (the anhydrous form will turns blue if water is present.
Copper sulfate is known as copper sulphate in the UK. Some other synonyms include Cupric sulfate, Copper sulfate penthydrate, Blue Stone and Blue Vitriole.
