Nitratine, also known as soda niter or Chile saltpeter, is a colorless to white mineral that occurs naturally in arid regions. It is a source of nitrogen for plants and is used as a fertilizer, as well as in the production of explosives and glass. In addition to its scientific name, nitratine is also commonly referred to by several other synonyms, including sodium nitrate, Chilean nitrate, and soda nitrate. Other possible synonyms for nitratine include cubic niter, Whitehouseite, and soda saltpeter. Despite the various names, all refer to the same mineral which plays an important role in agriculture and industry.