SINCE 1828
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alum shale

noun
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variants: or alum slate or less commonly alum schist

Definition of alum shale

: a shale or clay slate originally containing pyrite and after weathering containing aluminum sulfate formed by the action of sulfuric acid from the decomposition of the pyrite on the aluminous materials of the rock

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First Known Use of alum shale

1737, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of alum shale was in 1737

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Dictionary Entries Near alum shale

alumroot

alum shale

alumstone

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Cite this Entry

“Alum shale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alum%20shale. Accessed 10 Aug. 2022.

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