Bauxite

Bauxite is a naturally occurring mineral that is the primary ore used to produce aluminum metal. It consists mainly of aluminum oxides and hydroxides mixed with other minerals. Bauxite forms in tropical or subtropical climates through the weathering of rocks rich in aluminum silicates, which causes aluminum to concentrate as the other elements wash away. It is typically reddish-brown or tan and is mined from surface deposits. Once extracted, bauxite is processed through refining methods like the Bayer process to extract aluminum, which is then used in various industries, including transportation, packaging, and construction.