Step 1: Recall the etch method used in borehole surveying.
In the etch method, a glass tube coated with acid-sensitive material is used to determine the inclination of a borehole.
Step 2: Identify the acid used.
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) reacts with glass and produces an etched mark, which is used to determine the borehole deviation.
Hence,
\[
\boxed{\text{Hydrofluoric acid}}
\]
is the correct answer.
Therefore,
\[
\boxed{(D)}
\]
is the correct answer.