alunite

[ al-yuh-nahyt ]
/ ˈæl yəˌnaɪt /

noun

a mineral, a hydrous sulfate of potassium and aluminum, KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6, commonly occurring in fine-grained masses.
Also called al·um·stone [al-uh m-stohn] /ˈæl əmˌstoʊn/.

Origin of alunite

1865–70; < French alun (< Latin alūmen alum1) + -ite1

Words nearby alunite

aluminum sulfate, alumna, alumnus, alumroot, alundum, alunite, alunogen, alure, alutaceous, alva, alvar

Example sentences from the Web for alunite

British Dictionary definitions for alunite

alunite
/ (ˈæljʊˌnaɪt) /

noun

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 Origin for alunite

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