alunite

American  

[al-yuh-nahyt] / ˈæl yəˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a mineral, a hydrous sulfate of potassium and aluminum, KAl 3 (SO4 ) 2 (OH) 6 , commonly occurring in fine-grained masses.

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alunite British  

/ ˈæljʊˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a white, grey, or reddish mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium sulphate. It occurs in volcanic igneous rocks and is a source of potassium and aluminium compounds. Formula: KAl 3 (SO 4 ) 2 (OH) 6

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Etymology

Origin of alunite

1865–70; < French alun (< Latin alūmen alum ¹ ) + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Both sites are near supplies of alunite ore, also not too far from titanic Grand Coulee, which could supply the juice.

From Time Magazine Archive

But OPM did not specify whether alunite ore could be used, hemmed & hawed over location of the plant.

From Time Magazine Archive

A report recommending alunite as an aluminum source was prepared by the Bureau of Mines more than six weeks ago.

From Time Magazine Archive

But the alunite process yields one-half ton of sulfate potash worth $18.12 and one-third ton sulfuric acid worth $6, as byproducts.

From Time Magazine Archive

One of the interesting features of this occurrence is the abundance of alunite.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)