Crystal & mineral guide
Bauxite
Al hydroxides rock (gibbsite/boehmite/diaspore)
Primary aluminum ore rock — pisolitic red-brown residual deposit.
Identify Bauxite with RockScanAbout Bauxite
Bauxite is a residual rock of aluminum hydroxides formed by extreme weathering. Pisolitic (pea-like) textures and red iron staining are common. It is not a single mineral. Feedstock for alumina and aluminum metal — among the most economically critical industrial rocks.
Bauxite belongs in a crystal identifier workflow because photo cues — color zoning, crystal habit, and surface luster — combine with measurable traits like Mohs 1–3 and specific gravity 2.0–2.5. Use RockScan’s camera to get a first-pass ID, then confirm with the checklist below.
Bauxite properties
| Mohs hardness | 1–3 |
|---|---|
| Crystal system | Aggregate (rock) |
| Luster | Earthy to dull |
| Color | Red-brown, yellow, white pisolites |
| Composition | Aluminum hydroxide mixture with iron oxides |
| Formation | Intense tropical weathering of aluminous rocks |
| Occurrence | Australia, Guinea, Brazil, Jamaica, India |
| Specific gravity | 2.0–2.5 |
| Cleavage | None |
How to identify Bauxite
- Pisolitic/earthy red-brown masses
- Light for metal ore; soft
- Field context: lateritic weathering profiles
Collector notes
- Named for Les Baux, France
- Australia and Guinea dominate global supply
Value context: Traded as bulk ore by available alumina and impurities.
Bauxite FAQ
How do you identify Bauxite?
Bauxite (Al hydroxides rock (gibbsite/boehmite/diaspore)) is typically recognized by red-brown, yellow, white pisolites color, earthy to dull luster, Mohs hardness 1–3, and aggregate (rock) crystal system. RockScan can suggest Bauxite from a photo and surface these checks on the result card.
What is Bauxite made of?
Bauxite composition: Aluminum hydroxide mixture with iron oxides. It forms via intense tropical weathering of aluminous rocks and is found in Australia, Guinea, Brazil, Jamaica, India.
Is Bauxite valuable?
Traded as bulk ore by available alumina and impurities.
