Bauxite

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Bauxite is a sedimentary mineral with a relatively high aluminum content, making it the world’s primary source of both aluminum and gallium. The mineral is mainly composed of aluminum-bearing minerals, including gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore, along with iron oxides such as goethite and hematite. Additionally, it contains the aluminum clay mineral kaolinite and trace amounts of anatase and ilmenite.

Formation

Bauxite formation can be classified into different types. One common classification is based on the work of Vadász (1951), who distinguished between lateritic (silicate) bauxites and karst bauxites (carbonate types):

• Carbonate bauxites: These are primarily found in Europe, Guyana, and Jamaica, occurring above carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolomite. They formed through lateritic weathering, which resulted in the residual accumulation of intercalated clay layers. During chemical weathering, the limestone gradually dissolved, allowing the dispersed clays to concentrate.
• Lateritic bauxites: These are predominantly found in tropical regions and are formed by the lateritization of various silicate rocks, including granite, gneiss, basalt, syenite, and shale. Unlike iron-rich laterites, bauxite requires more intense weathering conditions and well-drained areas to facilitate the dissolution of kaolinite and the subsequent precipitation of gibbsite. Zones of high aluminum content are usually located below a ferruginous surface layer, with the aluminum hydroxide in lateritic deposits being almost exclusively gibbsite.

In Jamaica, recent soil analysis has indicated elevated levels of cadmium, suggesting that the bauxite deposits there originate from recent Miocene volcanic ash deposits from Central America.

Bauxite, from Australia

Production

Australia is the world’s largest producer of bauxite, followed by China. In 2017, China was also the top producer of aluminum, responsible for almost half of the world’s output, followed by Russia, Canada, and India.

Although global demand for aluminum is rapidly increasing, current known reserves of bauxite are considered sufficient to meet worldwide aluminum needs for many centuries. Increased recycling of aluminum further extends these reserves and has the added advantage of significantly reducing the amount of electricity required in aluminum production.

Bauxite Uses, Meaning, and Healing Properties

The following section is pseudoscientific and based on cultural beliefs.

Bauxite Uses and Meaning

Bauxite can be used in meditation to help provide insights into troubling situations. Its energy may also allow a person to perceive the intentions of others more clearly, fostering a deeper understanding of those around them. The stone is known to promote increased feelings of happiness and general well-being.

Unlike some stones that have an immediate effect, bauxite works gradually over time. By keeping it nearby, its energy can subtly encourage positive changes. It is also believed to help release emotional blocks that prevent individuals from achieving their goals. For those struggling with feelings of anger or resentment, bauxite may aid in letting go of these negative emotions, enabling progress and a sense of peace.

Bauxite Under Microscope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bauxite used for?

Bauxite is primarily used to produce alumina, which is then refined to create aluminum. Waste materials are generated at various points throughout the production process, including mining and refining.

How is bauxite formed?

Bauxite forms through intense weathering of different types of rocks, resulting in the removal of soluble components and the concentration of aluminum-bearing minerals. In many cases, clay minerals represent an intermediate stage during the weathering process. Bauxite may also form as a reworked chemical precipitate rather than a direct alteration product. Deposits may grade into laterite or clay both laterally and vertically.

What does bauxite look like?

Bauxite is typically a soft material with a hardness ranging from 1 to 3 on the Mohs scale. It can be found in various colors, including white, gray, reddish-brown, and tan-yellow, and is characterized by an earthy, dull luster. It often exhibits a pisolitic structure and has a relatively low specific gravity between 2.0 and 2.5.

What color is bauxite?

Bauxite can be reddish-brown, white, tan, or tan-yellow in color. It has an earthy luster and may resemble clay or soil in its appearance.

Which country has the most bauxite?

In 2020, Australia was the leading producer of bauxite, mining approximately 110 million metric tons. Guinea followed, producing 82 million metric tons that year.

Natural Bauxite for Sale in Our Shop

We create custom-made bauxite jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Please contact us for a quote.