Rock alum: properties, benefits and uses

THErock alum, or raw alum, is one of the common names for potassium alum, whose scientific name is extremely difficult to remember without searching: potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate. It is simply a tasteless mixed salt of aluminum and potassium that appears as a clear, odorless solid at room temperature. Chemically speaking, rock alum is potassium aluminum sulfate, soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol.

Its use is lost in the mists of time: it was primarily used in crafts, for tanning hides, dyeing wool, and creating miniatures on parchment. In the medical field, rock alum was considered precious by surgeons and healers. It was used to clean wounds and also as a hemostatic and healing agent.

The term rock alum derives from the place where it is mined, a kind of quarry, similar to a salt mine, and the many properties of this material were already widely known and exploited even by the ancient Romans. Indeed, some finds have shown that they used and traded it, and in the Middle Ages the most exploited deposits for its extraction were in central Italy, more specifically in the lower Viterbo area: the Tolfa Mountains. More generally, the Grosseto and Viterbo areas are rich in alum quarries, particularly near the present-day municipality of Allumiere and in the Follonica area. On the island of Vulcano, in the Sicilian Aeolian archipelago, there was even a specific "Allume Cave," where alum was mined for commercial purposes.

Rock alum, in fact, is commonly extracted from alum stone (or allumite), but it can also be extracted from bauxite, theclay or creolite. Today it is mainly used for its deodorant, astringent and haemostatic properties, and as a natural alternative to deodorant and to the chemical antiperspirants traditionally on the market.

Index of topics

Property

The first property for which rock alum is known and used is above all its antiperspirant and antibacterial properties: the saline component of this mineral creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, which instead proliferate in the moist areas of the body and allow the formation of bad odors. However, physiological sweating is not blocked by rock alum as can happen with some deodorants commercial chemicals. Rather, it acts as a protective "film" on the sweat glands, preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Furthermore, potassium alum is an excellent disinfectant: it is used for any type of skin irritation, rashes, and burns. Due to its astringent and hemostatic properties, it is also used to immediately stop bleeding from cuts and small wounds, such as those resulting from hair removal or shaving. In the form of small crystals, it is useful for soothing the skin after shaving or hair removal and for immediately healing small cuts. It is also used to relieve itching caused by insect bites and to speed up the healing of cold sores and boils. Rock alum appears to have the ability to stimulate the immune system, which is why it is used in the formulation of some vaccines.

Finally, in domestic use, rock alum, due to its same deodorizing properties, is also used as a natural odor absorber in the refrigerator.

Rock alum for pimples

Rock alum is very effective in dealing with pimplesSimply wet the crystal of the stick slightly and apply it to the affected area. Then leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing. This application doesn't need to be done every day, and there are no contraindications.

Rock alum for shaving

Men may get a small cut while shaving, women with hair removalThe most effective natural remedy for preventing even simple bleeding is rock alum. Just a touch with the stick and the effect, thanks to this substance's hemostatic properties, will be immediate.

Advantages and disadvantages

One of the main benefits of rock alum is its natural deodorant and antibacterial properties. It is odorless and free of substances such as alcohol or gas, making it ideal for those who suffer from allergies and whose skin is sensitive and prone to irritation caused by perfumes or synthetic substances. Another advantage is that it leaves no traces of marks on clothes, unlike deodorants sold in perfumeries or supermarkets. Rock alum is a real cure-all for the skin: its use can even combat the appearance of cold sores and alleviate facial blemishes as well as soothe acne-prone skin. As mentioned, the most well-known use of rock alum is in cosmetics as an alternative to traditional deodorants. deodorants, for those with allergies or sensitivities to the chemical components of industrial products. It's certainly cheaper, lasts longer, and is easily available at herbalist's shops or stores specializing in personal care products.

Is rock alum carcinogenic?

There are, however, some possible disadvantages related to the use of rock alum, starting from the transpiration of the skin. sweat It's a physiological activity of our body, a natural function, so rock alum, being an antiperspirant, isn't always considered ideal for daily use. Imbalances in the dermis may occur, although generally, rock alum for cosmetic use is well tolerated and doesn't cause any side effects. According to some rather controversial studies, potassium and aluminium salts passing through the pores of the skin or cuts, can attack the mammary glands, altering their functions in a carcinogenic sense.At the moment, these are nothing more than suppositions, devoid of any scientific basis, as a whole series of studies demonstrate. On the AIRC website, for example, a rather explicit statement is written, after examining the various studies conducted on the topic: "Experts believe that, given the current state of research, there is no concrete link between aluminum in deodorants and breast cancer."

How to use

Rock alum is generally available commercially in stone form, but it's often used in various types of organic and natural deodorants, both in spray and stick form. More commonly, however, as mentioned, rock alum comes in the form of an inert crystal, but its use is incredibly simple. First, wet the stone to moisten it, then rub it repeatedly over areas where sweating is common, especially the feet and armpits. Once finished, simply rinse the crystal again and let it dry before using it again. It's extremely useful for men after shaving because it soothes and heals small cuts, but the same goes for hair removal or shaving in women's sensitive areas. It also works very well on those annoying welts left by mosquito bites. If you ever get your hands on a powdered form of rock alum, you can also use it as a foot deodorant, similar to talcum powder.

A very simple DIY recipe is that of a natural deodorant spray And it's inexpensive: simply dissolve a few pieces in water in a convenient spray bottle. If you like, you can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, though lavender, rosemary, or tea tree oil, which are also antibacterial, are ideal.

How it is preserved

In crystal form, as mentioned, rock alum is practically inert, but a whole series of small precautions must be taken to preserve it properly while maintaining its properties intact.
First of all, avoid exposing it too much to the oxidative effects of air, especially when wet. Ideally, it should be stored away from excessive humidity and sunlight: a small tin or dark jar is perfect, but a closed soap dish without any holes will also work. By following these simple tips: the alum will always remain functional and useful for our daily use.

In powder

Rock alum can also be purchased and used in powder form. In this case, its main function is to absorb the bad smellsRock alum powder is very fine, like salt, and simply placing it in the refrigerator on a small plate or coffee cup eliminates unpleasant odors. You can also use rock alum powder in the kitchen when there are unpleasant odors.

Where to buy it

Purchasing rock alum is very simpleYou can find it in many perfumeries, herbalists, and even supermarkets. Or you can buy it online. The sticks cost between €3,50 and €4,50; the powdered version is around €17.

Rock alum: properties, uses, and where to buy it