Etching solution for magnesium-zinc-calcium alloys consists of picric acid (C₆H₃N₃O₇), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), distilled water and denatured ethanol (C₂H₅OH). This special combination makes the solution particularly suitable for applications in metallography and scientific laboratories.

In metallography, this etching solution plays an important role in the examination of magnesium-zinc-calcium alloys. Its use as an etchant enables the identification and analysis of microstructures, grain sizes and grain boundaries of these special alloys. By creating high-contrast etching structures, the special properties of the alloys are highlighted.

The chemical composition contains picric acid, a highly reactive and strongly oxidizing substance, and acetic acid, a weak acid that aids etching through its chelating properties. The addition of denatured ethanol and water allows the etching properties of the solution to be optimally matched to the selected material.

The application of the etching solution for magnesium-zinc-calcium alloys allows these alloys to be studied in detail with regard to their microstructures, which ultimately enables conclusions to be drawn about their mechanical and chemical properties as well as their processability.