Aluminum Ore
Aluminum ore primarily refers to bauxite, a sedimentary rock rich in aluminum minerals. Bauxite is the main source of aluminum, containing compounds like gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore. It is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, where weathering processes have concentrated aluminum-rich minerals.
The extraction of aluminum from bauxite involves the Bayer process, where the ore is refined to produce alumina (aluminum oxide). This alumina is then processed through electrolysis to obtain pure aluminum metal. Aluminum is widely used in various industries, including packaging, construction, and transportation, due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties.