A mineral acid (or inorganic acid) is an acid derived from one or more inorganic compounds, as opposed to organic acids which are acidic, organic compounds. All mineral acids form hydrogen ions and the conjugate base when dissolved in water.

Commonly used mineral acids are Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and Nitric acid (HNO₃, they are also known as bench acids). Mineral acids range from superacids (Perchloric acid) to very weak ones (Boric acid). Mineral acids tend to be very soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents.

Mineral acids are used in many sectors of the chemical industry as feedstocks for the synthesis of other chemicals, both organic and inorganic. Large quantities of these acids – especially sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid – are manufactured for commercial use in large plants.

Hydrochloric acid is one of the most important inorganic acids in the chemical industry. It is used, for example, in ore processing, but also for cleaning tools or pickling and etching in metal processing. Last but not least, hydrochloric acid is an important reagent in chemical analysis.

As well as Hydrochloric acid Sulfuric acid is another important basic chemical in industry. It is used in the manufacture of products such as fertilizers, rayon, medicines, dyes and detergents.

Mineral acids are also used directly for their corrosive properties. For example, a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid is used for removing the deposits from the inside of boilers, with precautions taken to prevent the corrosion of the boiler by the acid. This process is known as descaling.

Mineral acids play an important role in many branches of industry. They are used in detergents, for example, but also in food. The most commonly used acids include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid.