Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Bauxite and Aluminum?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Bauxite and Aluminum?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Bauxite and aluminum are related but distinct materials. Bauxite is an aluminum ore formed from laterite soil, and it is the world's primary source of aluminum. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a silvery-white colored metal that is highly reactive and

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Bauxite and Aluminum?
  • Comparative Table: Bauxite vs Aluminum

    • Comparative Table: Bauxite vs Aluminum

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between bauxite and aluminum:

    Feature Bauxite Aluminum
    Definition Bauxite is a sedimentary rock with a relatively high aluminum content, typically 30-55% Ore/Al2O3. Aluminum is a chemical element (Al) and a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal.
    Formation Formed by weathering of aluminum-rich rocks in tropical areas. Extracted from bauxite through a refining process.
    Composition Composed of aluminum minerals (gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore), iron oxides (goethite and hematite), and clay minerals (kaolinite). Pure aluminum is a single chemical element, but it can be alloyed with other elements for various applications.
    Uses Bauxite is primarily used for the production of aluminum and gallium, as well as in the refractory, cement, chemical, and abrasive industries. Aluminum is widely used in various industries, such as transportation, packaging, construction, and electronics, due to its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and conductive properties.
    Processing Bauxite is refined into alumina (aluminum oxide) through the Bayer process, which involves heating bauxite with sodium hydroxide at high temperatures. Aluminum is produced from alumina by electrolyzing a molten salt bath, known as the Hall-Heroult process.

    In summary, bauxite is the raw ore containing aluminum, while aluminum is the refined, lightweight metal extracted from bauxite.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.