Bauxite
Bauxite is not a mineral, but rather a group of aluminum oxides. The term is generally used to describe the economically important mixture of these minerals, which form a mass of the individually classified members of Gibbsite, Boehmite, and Diaspore. Bauxite does not make aesthetic or interesting specimens as far as collectors are concerned, but it holds importance as being the primary ore of the metal aluminum. Bauxite is named after the French village of Les Baux, where it was first recognized as an aluminum ore.
Chemical Formula
Al(OH)3 with possible additional Al and (OH)
Color
Beige, yellow, white, gray, brown, reddish-brown, pink
Properties
Streak
White |
Hardness
1 - 3 |
Transparency
Opaque |
Specific Gravity
2.0 - 2.6 |
Luster
Dull |
Cleavage
None |
Fracture
Earthy |
Tenacity
Brittle |
Uses
Bauxite is mined extensively for its economical value as the principle ore of aluminum.
Noteworthy Localities
Since Bauxite specimens are not well-represented in collections due to their lack of aesthetics, this guide will not list specific localities but will rather list countries that are important producers. These include Australia, China, Brazil, Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Venezuela, Vietnam, India, and Russia. In the U.S., the leading Bauxite producer is Arkansas, which even has a town called Bauxite named after its once-famous reserves. Other states with Bauxite deposits are Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Common Mineral Associations
Gibbsite, Boehmite, Diaspore, Goethite