Alum facts for kids
Chrome alum, chromium potassium sulfate
Alum is both a specific chemical compound and a class of chemical compounds.
- It means potassium aluminium sulfate, a chemical compound.
- It also means a double sulfate salt.
Examples:
- Potash alum is potassium aluminum sulfate
- Sodia alum is sodium aluminum sulfate
- Ammonium alum is ammonium aluminum sulfate
History
Words like "alum" and "potash" were used before modern chemistry developed. The word 'alumen' occurs in Pliny's Natural History (23–79 AD). In the 52nd chapter of his 35th book, he gives a detailed description. Different substances were distinguished by the name of 'alumen', but they were all astringents, and were all used in dyeing and medicine.
Images for kids
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Bulk potassium alum KAl(SO4)2·12H2O
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Crystal of potassium alum
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Chrome alum crystal
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Alum crystal with small amount of chrome alum to give a slight violet color
See also
In Spanish: Alumbre para niños
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Alum Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.