Ammoniac gum

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Ammoniac Gum

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.

Ammoniac Gum

Synonyms and Related Terms

Dorema ammoniacum; gum ammoniac; goma amoniaco (Esp.); ammoniacum; ammoniakum; ammonial gum

FTIR

MFAGumammoniac.jpg


Other Properties

Slightly soluble in water, ethanol, ether, vinegar or weak alkali. Forms emulsions with water.

Melting Point 45-55
Density 1.207

Hazards and Safety

Ingestion may cause vomiting.

Additional Information

P. Lynn, "How to Prepare and Gild with Gum Ammoniac" www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Library/2036/gumammon.html

Authority

  • 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
  • Website address 1 Comment: "How to Prepare and Gild with Gum Ammoniac" by Peter Lynn www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Library/2036/gumammon.html
  • George Savage, Art and Antique Restorer's Handbook, Rockliff Publishing Corp, London, 1954

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