Ammoniac gum
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Description
A complex gum/oil/resin mixture obtained from the stems of carrot family plant, Dorema ammoniacum, native to Iran and India. Ammoniac is a strong smelling exudate that dries to form hard, brittle, dark yellow lumps. It contains approximately 50-70% resin, 18-26% gum and 1-7% oil. Ammoniac is typically prepared for use either as a water emulsion or as a mixture with mastic and Isinglass. This makes a strong cement that is used to adhere gilding, set gemstones, and repair Porcelain. Ammoniac is also used in perfumes and medicine.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Dorema ammoniacum; gum ammoniac; goma amoniaco (Esp.); ammoniacum; ammoniakum; ammonial gum
Risks
- Ingestion may cause vomiting.
- Linde: SDS
Physical and Chemical Properties
Slightly soluble in water, ethanol, ether, vinegar or weak alkali. Forms emulsions with water.
| Melting Point | 45-55 C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.207 g/ml |
Resources and Citations
- Peter Lynn, "How to Prepare and Gild with Gum Ammoniac" www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Library/2036/gumammon.html
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 664
- The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 518
- George Savage, Art and Antique Restorer's Handbook, Rockliff Publishing Corp, London, 1954
- Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000