Stem B Rocks

COQUINA
The main source of aluminum metal
[Write an introduction about the rock that you are going to discuss]
Bauxite is a chemical sedimentary rock that is the primary source of aluminum. It is formed through
the weathering of aluminum-rich rocks in tropical and subtropical regions. The name bauxite is
derived from the French village of Les Baux, where it was first discovered in 1821 by geologist Pierre
Berthier. Bauxite is typically found in layers beneath a few meters of overburden, which can vary in
thickness depending on the location.
Bauxite contains a mixture of minerals, including gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore, as well as iron
oxides and kaolinite. The exact mineral composition of bauxite can vary depending on the location
and geological processes that formed it. However, the primary mineral in bauxite is gibbsite, which
typically makes up around 60% of its composition.
Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminum, which is one of the most widely used metals in the world. It is
typically mined through surface mining techniques, although underground mining is also used in some
locations. The process of extracting aluminum from bauxite involves crushing and refining the mineral
to produce alumina, which is then used to produce aluminum metal.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Bauxite

Chemical Composition Al(OH)3
Grey (Olive Grey), Red
Color
(Brownish Red)
Streak Pink (Whitish Pink)
Luster Earthy
Cleavage Indistinct
Specific Gravity Medium
Fracture Irregular/Uneven
System Amorphous
Form & Habit Pisolitic
Bauxite has other several unique properties that make it an important mineral for a variety of industrial
applications. Some of these properties include:
1. High aluminum content: Bauxite is the primary source of aluminum metal, with a typical
composition of around 40-60% aluminum oxide (Al 2O3). The high aluminum content makes it
an important raw material for the production of alumina and aluminum.
2. Hardness and abrasiveness: Bauxite is a hard and abrasive mineral, with a Mohs hardness
of 1-3.5. This makes it an ideal material for use as an abrasive in various applications,
including sandblasting, grinding, and polishing.
3. High refractoriness: Bauxite has a high melting point and is highly refractory, meaning it can
withstand high temperatures without melting or deforming. This makes it a valuable material
for use in the manufacture of refractory products, such as furnace linings and ceramic
products.
Prepared by: Neljohn M. Llenaresas 11 – STEM B

4. Low conductivity: Bauxite is a poor conductor of electricity and heat, which makes it useful
as an insulating material in electrical and thermal applications.
5. Porous structure: Bauxite typically has a porous structure, which allows it to absorb
moisture and other liquids. This property makes it useful as a desiccant or drying agent in
certain applications.
Uses of Bauxite
Bauxite is primarily used to produce alumina (aluminum oxide), which is then used to produce
aluminum metal. However, bauxite has other industrial uses as well. Here are some of the main uses
of bauxite:
Aluminum production: The most significant use of

bauxite is as a raw material for producing alumina,
which is then used to produce aluminum metal.
Aluminum is a lightweight, strong, and
corrosionresistant metal that is used in a wide range of
applications, including construction, transportation,
packaging, and electronics.
Refractories: Bauxite is also used in the production of

refractory materials, which are used to line
hightemperature furnaces and kilns. Refractory
materials must be able to withstand extremely high
temperatures and resist corrosion, making bauxite an
ideal material for this application.
Abrasives: Bauxite can be used as an abrasive

material for sandblasting and grinding. When bauxite
is crushed and processed, it can produce aluminum
oxide, which is a common abrasive material used in
sandpaper, grinding wheels, and cutting tools.
Cement: Bauxite can be used as a raw material in the

production of cement. When bauxite is processed with
limestone and heated in a kiln, it produces a type of
cement known as calcium aluminate cement.
Chemicals: Bauxite can be used to produce a variety

of chemical products, including aluminum sulfate,
which is used in water treatment, paper production,
and other industrial applications.
Other uses: Bauxite can also be used as a filler

material in plastics, as a component in drilling
fluids, and as a source of iron and other metals. It is
also used in some cosmetics and skincare products
as a natural exfoliant.

Fun Facts!
• Bauxite is washed in a hot solution of sodium hydroxide using the Bayer Process,
which filters the aluminum from the bauxite.
• The bauxite spherical beads are very hard and durable. They are sorted by size for
use in sandblasting equipment and other sandblasting applications. Their spherical
shape reduces wear on the delivery equipment.
• Around the world, Australia, China, Brazil, India, Guinea, Jamaica, Russia,
Kazakhstan, Suriname, and Greece are the top ten leading bauxite producing
countries.
• The top producers of bauxite have enough reserves for many years of continued
production, with some having reserves lasting 100 years.
Conclusion and Insights
[This is where you summarize what you have discussed above and provide your insights.]
References:
[This is where you put the links of the materials you used in creating the profile of your assigned rock.
This is also essential for the readers to explore more about the rock you discussed.]
• https://geologyscience.com/rocks/bauxite/?amp
• https://www.geolearningpoint.com/2021/04/physical-properties-of-minerals-bauxite.html?m=1
• https://www.softschools.com/facts/minerals/bauxite_facts/3030/

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COQUINA

The main source of aluminum metal

Physical and Chemical Properties of Bauxite

Prepared by: Neljohn M. Llenaresas 11 – STEM B

Aluminum production: The most significant use of

Refractories: Bauxite is also used in the production of

Abrasives: Bauxite can be used as an abrasive

Cement: Bauxite can be used as a raw material in the

Chemicals: Bauxite can be used to produce a variety

Other uses: Bauxite can also be used as a filler

Prepared by: Neljohn M. Llenaresas 11 – STEM B

Prepared by: Neljohn M. Llenaresas 11 – STEM B

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