MAGNESIA ALUM Meaning and
Definition
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Magnesia alum, also known as magnesium aluminum sulfate, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula MgAl2(SO4)4·22H2O. It is a hydrated double salt formed by the combination of magnesium sulfate and aluminum sulfate.
Magnesia alum is a white crystalline solid that forms in the cuboid or octahedral crystal system. It has a molar mass of approximately 716.92 grams per mole.
This compound is often used in various industrial applications, particularly in the manufacturing of fireproofing materials, as it has excellent fire-retardant properties. It acts as a flame retardant agent due to its ability to release water when exposed to high temperatures, thus helping to cool down the surrounding area and prevent the spread of fire.
In addition to its fireproofing applications, magnesia alum is also used as a component in the production of some types of glass, including optical glass. It can act as a clarifying agent, improving the transparency and quality of the glass.
Furthermore, magnesia alum has certain medicinal uses. It has been historically used as an astringent and styptic, meaning it helps to contract body tissues and control bleeding. However, its usage in modern medicine has diminished due to the availability of more effective alternatives.
In summary, magnesia alum is a white crystalline compound used primarily as a fireproofing agent, a clarifying agent in glass manufacturing, and to a lesser extent, in medicinal applications.
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A substance occurring in white fibrous masses and efflorescences in S. Amer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MAGNESIA ALUM
- magnesia alem
- magnesia alqm
- magnesia alwm
- magnesia altm
- magnesia alue
- magnesia alui
- magnesia aluo
- magnesia alul
- m agnesia alum
- ma gnesia alum
- mag nesia alum
- magn esia alum
- magne sia alum
- magnes ia alum
- magnesi a alum
- magnesia a lum
- magnesia al um
- magnesia alu m
Etymology of MAGNESIA ALUM
The word "magnesia alum" is a compound term consisting of two separate words: "magnesia" and "alum". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Magnesia:
The term "magnesia" originated from the ancient Greek word "Magnēsiā", which referred to a region in Thessaly, Greece. This region was known for its natural abundance of a type of rock containing magnesium carbonate, which was used for medicinal purposes. Eventually, the name of the region became associated with the substance itself, and "magnesia" began to be used to refer to various forms of magnesium compounds.
2. Alum:
The term "alum" traces its origins to the Latin word "alumen", which originally referred to a specific type of white mineral salt. This mineral was derived from the Greek word "alýmē", meaning "bitter salt".
