Galalith
Galalith
Galalith (pronunciation: /ˈɡæləlɪθ/), also known as milk stone, is a synthetic plastic material manufactured from casein and formaldehyde. The term "Galalith" is derived from the Greek words "gala", meaning milk, and "lithos", meaning stone.
Etymology
The term "Galalith" is a combination of two Greek words: "gala" (γάλα), which means milk, and "lithos" (λίθος), which means stone. This name was chosen to reflect the material's origin (milk) and its hard, stone-like texture after processing.
History
Galalith was first created in the early 20th century and was widely used in the manufacture of buttons, buckles, and jewelry. It was particularly popular in the 1920s and 1930s, but its use declined after the introduction of newer, more versatile plastics.
Properties
Galalith is a hard, rigid material that can be carved, polished, and dyed in a wide range of colors. It is insoluble in water, alcohol, and most common solvents, making it durable and easy to clean. However, it cannot be molded once it has been set, which limits its applications compared to other plastics.
Related Terms
- Casein: The milk protein that is the primary ingredient in Galalith.
- Formaldehyde: A chemical compound used in the production of Galalith.
- Plastic: A broad category of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials, including Galalith.
- Synthetic material: Materials that are not made from natural resources.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Galalith
- Wikipedia's article - Galalith
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