alunite Min.
(ˈæl(j)uːnaɪt)
[mod. f. Fr. alun alum + -ite min. form.; see quot. 1868.]
A mineral, also called Alum-stone and Aluminilite (consisting of common alum together with normal hydrate of aluminium (Al K(SO4)2.2 Al H3O3), found in the volcanic districts of Italy, etc.), which is the source of the Roman alum.
| 1868 Dana Min. 659 It was named Aluminilite by Delametherie in 1797, a long name well changed to Alunite by Beudant in 1824. 1875 Ure Dict. Arts I. 109 The alum-stone or alunite is a mineral of limited occurrence, being found in moderate quantity at Tolfa (near Civita Vecchia). |