Alum Powder in Meghalaya
Alum powder is a fine, crystalline powder derived from potassium aluminum sulfate (KAl(SOâ‚„)â‚‚·12Hâ‚‚O) or other similar aluminum salts. It appears as a white to colorless powder with a slightly astringent taste. Widely used for its antiseptic, astringent, and coagulating properties, alum powder dissolves easily in water and has a cooling effect when applied to the skin.
It is commonly used in water purification, pickling, dyeing, leather tanning, baking powder formulations, and traditional medicinal applications. In personal care, alum powder serves as a natural deodorant, aftershave, and skin-tightening agent.
Its antimicrobial properties make it useful in preventing infections, while its coagulating action helps in clarifying water by settling suspended impurities.
Properties of Alum Powder
- Appearance: White, crystalline, fine powder with a slightly astringent taste.
- Chemical Nature: Potassium aluminium sulphate (KAl(SOâ‚„)â‚‚·12Hâ‚‚O) or other aluminium salts.
- Solubility: Soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol.
- Astringent Property: Causes skin tightening and contraction of tissues.
- Antiseptic Action: Inhibits bacterial growth, useful in wound cleaning and oral care.
- Coagulating Agent: Used to settle suspended particles in water purification.
- Stability: Stable at room temperature; decomposes when strongly heated.
- Taste: Slightly sweet, acidic, and astringent.
- Non-toxic (in small quantities): Safe for external use and regulated food applications.
- Multi-purpose Use: Applied in medicine, food processing, dyeing, tanning, cosmetics, and industrial applications.
