Bauxite

Mineral Name: Bauxite

Chemical properties:

Moh’s Hardness Chemical formula Occurs in Color S.G. Class Chemical characteristics
        3 Al2H2O4 Especially in sedimentary rocks. Reddish-brown bauxite 2.5 Sulfates Heterogeneous composition, primarily consisting of hydrous aluminum oxides and aluminum hydroxides.

Bauxite is the only ore of aluminium. It is the hydrate of alumina and mainly composed of gibbsite, diaspore, bohemite. Gibbsite is dominant among other minerals. Besides, the other minerals in bauxite include goethite, lepidocrocite, haematite, rutile, quartz, clay (kaolinite), hallosite, limonite, residual silicates etc. Bauxite is used for manufacture of aluminium metal which is the second abundant metal in the earth next to SiO2. It is also used in abrasive and chemical industries. Versatile properties of aluminium has varieties of other uses and its demand is increasing day by day. Bauxite are formed from the decay and weathering of aluminium bearing rocks under humid tropical condition by the process of de-silicification.

Baryte uses:

Bauxite is primarily used as the main ore for extracting aluminum, making up about 90% of bauxite production globally. It’s also used in various other industries, including refractories, abrasives, chemicals, and cement production, and in the steel industry as a flux. 

Elaboration:
    • Aluminum Production:

      The bulk of bauxite is used to extract alumina, which is then refined into aluminum metal. 

  • Refractory Industry:

    Bauxite is used as a raw material for making refractory bricks, which are used to line furnaces and other high-temperature applications. 

  • Abrasive Industry:

    Bauxite is used to create abrasive materials, such as polishing powders, sandpapers, and other abrasive products. 

  • Chemical Industry:

    Bauxite and alumina are used in the production of various aluminum-containing chemicals. 

  • Cement Industry:

    Bauxite is used in the production of high-alumina cement, known for its rapid setting time and resistance to corrosion. 

  • Steel Industry:

    Bauxite can be used as a flux in iron and steel production, helping to refine the slag. 

  • Other Uses:
    Bauxite can also be used as an adsorbent, a catalyst, a desiccating agent, and in the manufacture of dental cement. 

Bauxite in Intercity enterprises

Intercity enterprises is a manufacturer of bauxite based in Chennai