alunite

[ al-yuh-nahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, a hydrous sulfate of potassium and aluminum, KAl 3 (SO 4 ) 2 (OH) 6 , commonly occurring in fine-grained masses.

alunite

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of alunite¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of alunite¹

C19: from French alun alum (from Latin alūmen ) + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

A subsulphate of alumina and potash; alunite.

From Project Gutenberg

His alunite process has been approved by the Bureau of Mines and OPM's own technical staff, has been used successfully in Japan.

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