dynamitt

Dynamitt is a term used for the explosive commonly known in English as dynamite. It is a stabilized form of nitroglycerin, created by absorbing the liquid into an inert porous solid such as diatomaceous earth (kieselguhr). This absorption reduces sensitivity to shock and temperature compared with pure nitroglycerin, allowing safer handling and transportation for blasting charges used in mining, construction, and demolition. The name evokes power and was popularized in the 19th century.

Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, developed and patented a stable nitroglycerin–absorbent mixture in 1867, which came to be marketed as dynamite. The invention made blasting operations faster and more efficient, transforming industries such as quarrying and road and railroad construction. Nobel’s innovations and the commercial success of dynamite contributed to the wealth that funded the Nobel Prizes.

Over time, dynamite’s hazards—primarily the sensitivity of nitroglycerin to shock and temperature—led to safety improvements and the development of alternative explosives. Safer formulations and newer blasting agents, including gelatin dynamite, emulsions, and ammonium nitrate–based explosives, have partly supplanted traditional dynamite in many applications, though dynamite remains in use in some regions and for specific charges where conditions warrant its properties.

Regulation and handling are stable aspects of dynamitt’s history. Because of its potential for harm, dynamite is subject to strict storage, labeling, transport, and licensing requirements in many jurisdictions. Modern practice emphasizes safety, environmental considerations, and traceability in the procurement and use of explosive materials.