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This is a short overview. For the background — history, value over time and notable mines — see Alum →
Occurs in: Sedimentary Beds and Seams →
A naturally occurring double sulphate of aluminium and potassium, historically extracted from shale by slow burning and prolonged chemical processing rather than simple digging, and essential as a mordant for fixing dye in textiles before synthetic alternatives replaced it.
| Mine | Region | Worked |
|---|---|---|
| Belman Bank Alum Works | North Yorkshire | c. 1605–Late 18th century |
| Boulby Alum Quarries | North Yorkshire | 1650s–1871 |
| Hurlet Colliery | Renfrewshire | Early 17th century–Early 20th century |
| Kettleness Alum Works | North Yorkshire | From around 1727–1861 |
| Kimmeridge Oil Shale Workings | Dorset | c. 400 BC–c. 1890 |
| Peak Alum Works | North Yorkshire | 1640 (discovery)–1862 |
| Saltwick Nab Alum Quarries | North Yorkshire | 1649–1791 |
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