Thread: Does alum melt?

Originally Posted by roughkype

Look in first aid, too. Alum sticks are used to stop bleeding, after all.

Will do, didn't think of that.

Thanks for everything!!

Parker

Will melt at 200 degs as above,most of it will turn a black grey color when it re-hardens,I just use the chunks as they come from the store,$1.29/lb you cannot beat that.

If you do look in medical supplies for alum sticks (aka styptic pencils) make sure you don't confuse them with caustic pencils. Caustic pencils look a bit like long matches - the blob at the end is silver nitrate, used to cauterise tissue. It stops bleeding, but is used for serious bleeds like nosebleeds, where it is held agains the blood vessel to cauterise and seal it. It's also used to remove warts. It stains skin (I used to do wetplate photography using silver nitrate - my fingers were permanently stained dark brown, almost black) so you wouldn't want to spread it on your face!

Regards,
Neil

Cannot buy silver nitrate sticks over the counter in this country.

The Alum for your face is Potassium Alum. The one for deodorant is Ammonia Alum. The sticks for cuts are alum based but contain other things to stop the bleeding.

Dude you live in Vegas!! If you can't find it there - you're not looking hard enough!! Heck you have an Acca Kappa store in Vegas! Isn't there an Art of Shaving store there!!

I have two alum blocks, one is a milky white and the other is clear. Which one is which?

Parker, Sorry for thread hijack....couldn't resist with so many alum heads watching

Originally Posted by ZeroCool

I have two alum blocks, one is a milky white and the other is clear. Which one is which?

You have two armpits. Figure it out.

Originally Posted by roughkype

You have two armpits. Figure it out.

Lol thanks. You're a life saver!

Saving the world, an armpit at a time.