Potassium alum, potash alum, or potassium aluminium sulfate is a chemical compound first found mentioned under various Sanskrit names in Ayurvedic medicinal texts such as Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, and Ashtang Hridaya; is chemically defined as the double sulfate of potassium and aluminium, with chemical formula KAl(SO4)2. It is commonly encountered as the dodecahydrate, KAl(SO4)2·12H2O. It crystallizes in an octahedral structure in neutral solution and cubic structure in an alkali solution with space group P a −3 and lattice parameter of 12.18 Å. The compound is the most important member of the generic class of compounds called alums, and is often called simply alum.
Potassium alum
Octahedral potassium alum crystal with unequal distribution of the face area
An ammonium alum block sold as an astringent in pharmacies in India (where it is widely known as Fitkiri (Bengali), Fitkari (Hindi)”
An alum is a type of chemical compound, usually a hydrated double sulfate salt of aluminium with the general formula XAl(SO4)2·12 H2O, such that X is a monovalent cation such as potassium or ammonium. By itself, "alum" often refers to potassium alum, with the formula KAl(SO4)2·12 H2O. Other alums are named after the monovalent ion, such as sodium alum and ammonium alum.
Crystal of potassium alum, KAl(SO 4) 2·12H 2O
Crystal of potassium alum.
Chrome alum crystal.
Alum crystal with small amount of chrome alum to give a slight violet color.