What is silver nitride?

Silver nitride, previously referred to as fulminating silver, has a molecular formula of Ag3N. It is a solid chemical compound that is black and metallic-looking in appearance. It is known to be explosive and flammable.

Silver nitride is produced when silver oxide or silver nitrate is dispersed in ammonia. Silver-amide or imide complex, formed from the mixture, consequently breaks down to Ag3N. The compound is poorly soluble in water, but decays in mineral acids. Detonations are expected when it is decomposed in concentrated acids, such as metallic silver and nitrogen gas.

A reflective coating comprised of alternating thin layers of silver metal and silicon nitride is sometimes described as silver nitride. This is not real silver nitride, thus, it is not explosive.