Composition
Potassium Alum / Potassium Aluminium Sulfate — KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O
For the final product listing, the composition should match the actual specification, certificate of analysis and packaging label.
Product Information
- Product Name: Phitkari Red
- Common Names: Lal Fitkari / Lal Phitkari / Red Alum
- English Name: Red Potash Alum
- Chemical Name: Potassium Aluminium Sulfate
- Chemical Formula: KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O
- Form: Natural Crystal
- Category: Mineral / Alum Raw Material
- Appearance: Reddish, pinkish or pale red crystalline material, depending on grade
- Texture: Hard crystalline solid
- Odour: Odourless
- Taste: Astringent/mineral taste; not intended as a food unless specifically food-grade and legally labelled for that use
What Is Phitkari Red?
Phitkari Red, also called Lal Fitkari, is a coloured form of alum supplied as a crystalline mineral material. Alum is a hydrated double sulfate containing potassium and aluminium.
The product is supplied as whole natural-looking crystals, rather than powder, making it suitable for applications where crystal form is preferred.
Product Features
- Natural crystal form.
- Potassium alum-based mineral material.
- Characteristic reddish to pinkish crystal appearance.
- Hard crystalline texture.
- Odourless.
- Suitable as a mineral raw material for permitted applications.
- Can be further processed into smaller pieces or powder.
- No added ingredients when supplied as a single mineral material.
- Natural variation in crystal size and colour may occur.
Traditional & General Information
Alum has a long history of use as a mineral material in various traditional, household and craft applications.
Phitkari should not be promoted with disease-treatment, antiseptic, cosmetic or medicinal claims unless the product is appropriately classified, tested, labelled and legally permitted for that specific use.
How to Use
Use according to the specific product label and intended application.
The crystal can be:
- Used in its supplied crystal form for permitted applications.
- Broken into smaller pieces.
- Ground into powder where appropriate.
- Used as a mineral raw material for an approved formulation or application.
Do not recommend ingestion or application to the body unless the product is specifically manufactured, tested and labelled for that purpose.
Preparation / Processing
A general processing sequence for a mineral crystal product may include:
Mineral sourcing → Sorting → Cleaning/processing → Drying → Crystal selection → Grading → Packaging
The actual manufacturing or purification process should correspond to the manufacturer's specification.
Crystal vs Powder
| Product | Form |
|---|---|
| Phitkari Red Whole | Natural crystal / whole crystal |
| Phitkari Red Bharad | Broken/coarse pieces |
| Phitkari Red Powder | Finely powdered alum |
This product is supplied as natural crystal, not powder.
Natural Characteristics
Phitkari Red may naturally vary in:
- Crystal size
- Crystal shape
- Reddish to pinkish colour
- Transparency
- Surface texture
- Weight of individual pieces
Such variations can occur due to mineral grade, processing, crystallisation and handling.
Quality Characteristics
Good-quality Phitkari Red should have:
- Correct mineral identity
- Appropriate potassium alum composition
- Characteristic crystalline appearance
- Suitable purity for the declared application
- Low foreign matter
- No unusual odour
- No visible contamination
- Appropriate moisture characteristics
- Hygienic packaging
- Batch traceability
Quality Testing
Depending on the intended application:
Physical Testing
- Appearance
- Colour
- Crystal size
- Odour
- Foreign matter
- Moisture
Chemical Testing
- Potassium alum identification
- Assay/purity
- Aluminium
- Potassium
- Sulfate
- Other specification parameters
Safety / Contaminant Testing
Where applicable:
- Heavy metals
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Other relevant contaminants
Testing requirements should be based on the intended regulatory category and applicable standards.
Storage
Store Phitkari Red:
- In a cool, dry place.
- Away from excessive humidity.
- Away from direct sunlight.
- Away from incompatible chemicals.
- Away from food products unless the product is specifically food-grade and appropriately packaged.
- In tightly closed packaging after opening.
Packaging
Pack in suitable moisture-resistant and contamination-resistant packaging appropriate to the declared application.
The product label should contain all mandatory declarations applicable to its regulatory category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phitkari Red?
Phitkari Red, also called Lal Fitkari, is a red or reddish form of potassium alum supplied in crystal form.
What is the chemical name of Phitkari?
Potassium Aluminium Sulfate is commonly represented by the formula KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O.
Is Phitkari Red the same as alum?
Phitkari is the common Indian name used for alum. However, the exact grade and composition should always be verified from the product specification.
Is this Phitkari Powder?
No. This product is supplied as natural/whole crystal.
Can Phitkari Red be powdered?
The crystal can be mechanically broken or ground where appropriate for the intended application.
Is Phitkari Red edible?
Do not assume that a mineral crystal is edible. Only use alum in food applications when the product is specifically food-grade, meets the applicable food standard and is legally labelled for that purpose.
How should Phitkari Red be stored?
Keep it in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and contamination.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general mineral and product-information purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Phitkari Red should be used only for applications appropriate to its declared grade, specification, label and applicable regulations. Do not infer suitability for ingestion, medicinal, cosmetic or personal-care use unless specifically established by the product's regulatory classification and testing.
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